STEM Pathways Through College Act

To authorize a grant program to support equitable access to postsecondary STEM pathways. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the STEM Pathways Through College Act 2. Postsecondary STEM pathways grants (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to support equitable access to postsecondary STEM pathways to increase the number of students exposed to high-quality STEM advanced coursework, support students in reducing college costs, improve postsecondary credit transfers, and increase postsecondary completion. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Advanced coursework The term advanced coursework (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) shall include— (i) the State educational agency; (ii) one or more local educational agencies located in the State, which may include an educational service agency; and (iii) either— (I) the State public higher education system inclusive of all 2-year and 4-year public institutions of higher education in the State; or (II) a consortium of the State’s public higher education institutions or systems that, together, is inclusive of all 2-year and 4-year public institutions of higher education in the State; and (B) may include 1 or more businesses, associations, or nonprofit organizations representing businesses, private nonprofit institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, a State workforce agency, or a State workforce development board established under section 101 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3111 (3) ESEA definitions The terms dual or concurrent enrollment program early college high school educational service agency elementary school English learner evidence-based high school institution of higher education local educational agency middle grades other staff professional development regular high school diploma Secretary State State educational agency technology 20 U.S.C. 7801 (4) Governor The term Governor (5) Perkins definitions The terms career and technical education work-based learning 20 U.S.C. 2302 (6) Postsecondary stem pathway The term postsecondary STEM pathway (A) when taken together, provide at least 12 credit hours or the equivalent coursework toward an associate degree or baccalaureate degree, or, in the case of postsecondary credit in career and technical education earned through such sequence of courses, credit toward a recognized postsecondary credential for a high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sector or occupation; and (B) if completed successfully, results in credit that— (i) satisfies requirements for the State’s regular high school diploma; and (ii) is a part of the statewide articulation agreement described in subsection (d)(2)(B); and (C) may include work-based learning in a STEM field aligned with the academic coursework offered in a postsecondary STEM pathway. (7) STEM education The term STEM education (8) Subgroup of students The term subgroup of students (A) students from a family with a low income; (B) students of color; (C) children with disabilities, as defined in section 602(3) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1401(3) (D) English learners; (E) migratory children, as described in section 1309(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6399(3) (F) homeless children and youths, as defined in section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 11434a (G) students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system; and (H) first-generation college students. (9) WIOA definitions The terms in-demand industry sector or occupation recognized postsecondary credential 29 U.S.C. 3102 (10) Students from a family with a low income The term students from a family with a low income 20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5) (11) First-generation college student The term first-generation college student 20 U.S.C. 1070a–11(h) (c) Authorization of grants (1) In general From the amounts appropriated under subsection (i) and not reserved under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable those eligible entities to implement activities described under subsection (e). (2) Reservations From the total amount appropriated under subsection (i) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve— (A) 1 percent for the Bureau of Indian Education to improve access to postsecondary STEM pathways; (B) 2 percent to conduct the evaluation described under subsection (g); and (C) 2 percent for technical assistance and dissemination, which may include— (i) providing, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, technical assistance on using evidence-based practices to improve the outcomes of activities funded under this section; and (ii) disseminating information on evidence-based practices that are successful in improving the quality of activities funded under this section. (3) Duration A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 5 years. (4) Renewal The Secretary may renew a grant awarded under this section for 1 additional 2-year period for programs that meet the goals specified in subsection (d)(4)(B) of the initial grant. (5) Diversity of projects In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve geographically diverse areas, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. (6) Sufficient size and scope Each grant awarded under this section shall be of sufficient size and scope to allow the eligible entity to carry out the purposes of this section. (7) Priorities In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications that— (A) provide postsecondary STEM pathways to a high proportion of the State’s students enrolled in high schools operated by local educational agencies; (B) prioritize evidence-based strategies to ensure subgroups of students have equitable access to postsecondary STEM pathways; and (C) are submitted by eligible entities that include local educational agencies who are in the highest quartile of local educational agencies, in a ranking of all qualified local educational agencies in the State, ranked in descending order by the number or percentage of children in each agency counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6333(c) (d) Eligible entity application In order to receive a grant under subsection (c)(1), the eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. Such application shall include, at a minimum— (1) signatures from the Governor, chief State school officer, and State higher education executive officer verifying the eligible entity shall meet the requirements described in paragraph (2) within the specified timeframe; (2) a description of how the eligible entity will, not later than 2 years after the date of the initial receipt of funds under this section— (A) ensure STEM postsecondary pathways are aligned with entrance requirements for credit-bearing coursework at the State’s public institutions of higher education; and (B) develop a formal, universal statewide articulation agreement among all public institutions of higher education or systems in the State— (i) to guarantee that— (I) all advanced coursework successfully completed as part of a postsecondary STEM pathway results in credit that— (aa) counts as credit for a regular high school diploma; (bb) fully transfers to, and is credited by, all public institutions of higher education in the State, and that such credits will count toward meeting related degree or certificate requirements; and (cc) is transferable to any private nonprofit institution of higher education or public institution of higher education located in another State that chooses to participate in the articulation agreement; and (II) if a student earns an associate degree (including an associate degree in applied science) as part of a postsecondary STEM pathway, such associate degree, awarded by a participating institution of higher education in the State, shall be fully acceptable in transfer and credited as the first 2 years of a related baccalaureate program at a public institution of higher education in such State; and (ii) to facilitate the seamless transfer of credit earned in the postsecondary STEM pathway among such institutions of higher education, including between 2-year and 4-year public institutions of higher education and private nonprofit institutions of higher education (if such private nonprofit institutions of higher education choose to participate in the articulation agreement), by using methods such as— (I) common course numbering; (II) a general education core curriculum; and (III) management systems regarding course equivalency, transfer of credit, and articulation; (3) a description of how the eligible entity will disseminate information to subgroups of students in the middle grades and high school served by the eligible entity, including their families, about the opportunity to participate in a postsecondary STEM pathway and the benefits of participation; (4) a description of how the eligible entity will implement postsecondary STEM pathways in all local educational agencies participating in the eligible entity, including— (A) the timeline and plan to provide, by the end of the grant period, a substantial number of students in the State the opportunity to participate in a postsecondary STEM pathway; and (B) annual goals for participation in advanced coursework and postsecondary STEM pathways among subgroups of students such that, if the goals are met— (i) significant progress will be made toward improving equity in access to advanced coursework and postsecondary STEM pathways across the local educational agencies within the eligible entity in the State; and (ii) the demographics of students participating in advanced coursework and postsecondary STEM pathways will be similar to the demographics of total student enrollment in the State the eligible entity is located in by the end of the grant period; (5) a description of how the eligible entity has, or will, ensure that postsecondary STEM pathways are aligned with in-demand industries or occupations and provide students with opportunities for work-based learning; (6) a description of how the eligible entity consulted with stakeholders in development of its application and how the eligible entity will continue to engage, collaborate, and solicit feedback with stakeholders to improve implementation of the application requirements described in this subsection and uses of funds described in subsection (e), including— (A) the State board of education (if the State has a State board of education); (B) the State higher education governing or coordinating entity (if the State has such an entity); (C) a State board or local board, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3102 (D) the State agency responsible for the administration of career and technical education in the State or for the supervision of the administration of career and technical education in the State (if the State has such an entity); (E) institutions of higher education in the State; (F) local educational agencies, including those located in rural areas and with the highest enrollments of students from low income families, as described in subsection (c)(7)(C); (G) representatives of Indian Tribes located in the State; (H) charter school leaders (if the State has charter schools); (I) civil rights organizations in the State; (J) business leaders or their representatives in the State; (K) teachers, principals, and other school leaders; and (L) parents and students; (7) an assurance that the eligible entity will provide postsecondary STEM pathways at no cost to students and families, including that students and their parents shall not be required to pay the cost of tuition, fees (including examination fees associated with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and similar examinations), books, and supplies necessary to successfully complete postsecondary STEM pathways; (8) an assurance that not less than half of grant funds received by the eligible entity will be used to support subgroups of students in accessing and completing postsecondary STEM pathways; and (9) an assurance that the State will comply with the supplement, not supplant requirement described under subsection (h). (e) Uses of funds (1) Required uses An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use grant funds to carry out the following: (A) Activities to implement the alignment requirements pursuant to subsection (d)(2) for a period of time not to exceed the first 2 fiscal years for which the grant is provided. (B) Supporting the development and implementation of postsecondary STEM pathways consistent with the timeline, plan, and goals specified in subsection (d)(4) in order to increase the number of students accessing and completing postsecondary STEM pathways in the State, including— (i) expanding advanced coursework offered to students served by the eligible entity to increase the availability of postsecondary STEM pathways; (ii) covering tuition, fees (including examination fees associated with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and similar examinations), books, and supplies for students participating in postsecondary STEM pathways, in accordance with subsection (d)(7); and (iii) covering transportation costs necessary for full participation in postsecondary STEM pathways for students from a family with a low income. (C) Implementing programs and activities to improve student preparation for, and participation in postsecondary STEM pathways, with a priority for students enrolled in local educational agencies described in subsection (c)(7)(C) and subgroups of students, which may include— (i) using data from evidence-based early warning indicator systems; (ii) providing supplemental advising or counseling activities that are voluntary to students, including information on choosing postsecondary options, applying for financial aid, completing applications to institutions of higher education, and career counseling and advising, beginning as early as the middle grades; and (iii) other evidence-based activities to support the successful implementation of postsecondary STEM pathways and students’ transition from high school to postsecondary education. (D) Conducting outreach and communicating with subgroups of students, including their families, to build awareness about the opportunity to participate in a postsecondary STEM pathway and the benefits of participation. (2) Permitted uses An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may also use grant funds to— (A) provide training, professional development, or recruitment for educators employed by the local educational agencies within the eligible entity and for faculty who teach courses that are included in a postsecondary STEM pathway, including increasing the number of educators qualified to teach dual or concurrent enrollment programs in STEM courses, to improve access and completion of such pathways, particularly for subgroups of students; and (B) carry out capacity-building efforts to improve the coordination between the elementary and secondary education system and the higher education system, including through stakeholder engagement and monitoring. (3) Transportation cap An eligible entity shall not use more than 25 percent of grant funds to cover transportation costs authorized under paragraph (1)(B)(iii). (f) Reporting requirements (1) Eligible entity reporting Not later than 1 year after the enactment of this section and every year thereafter, the eligible entity shall provide a report to the Secretary containing such information as the Secretary may require, including, at a minimum— (A) information on the progress of the eligible entity in establishing the policies and completing the required activities as specified in subsection (d)(2); (B) the number and percentage of local educational agencies and institutions of higher education in the State offering a postsecondary STEM pathway, including changes year-over-year, and the extent to which the eligible entity was meeting its timeline, plan, and goals specified in subsection (d)(4); (C) the eligible entity’s progress in meeting the goals established by the eligible entity for the participation of subgroups of students in postsecondary STEM pathways as specified in subsection (d)(4); (D) evidence demonstrating how the eligible entity certified each such pathway meets all the requirements of this section; (E) the number and percentage of students in the State, including disaggregated by each subgroup of students, and by sex, who— (i) participate in a postsecondary STEM pathway; and (ii) participate in a postsecondary STEM pathway and— (I) successfully complete a postsecondary STEM pathway; (II) enroll in an institution of higher education and received credit, in accordance with the alignment requirements described in subsection (d)(2); (III) receive credit toward a recognized postsecondary credential for a high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sector or occupation; and (IV) earn a postsecondary credential; and (F) any additional information as the Secretary may reasonably require to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section and to effectively evaluate, monitor, and improve grant implementation. (2) Secretary’s report Not later than 6 months after receiving the initial report described in paragraph (1) and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives that includes a summary of reports submitted by eligible entities and identifies best practices related to improving access to STEM education and postsecondary education, particularly for subgroups of students, through the implementation of postsecondary STEM pathways. (g) Evaluation The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, shall conduct an independent evaluation after the initial award of grants under this section, of the policies and services provided under this section, including at a minimum, the impact of such policies and services on outcomes for all students, particularly for subgroups of students, with regard to each of the following: (1) Enrollment in and completion of advanced coursework during high school, including the number of courses students take and the number of credits students earn. (2) Postsecondary enrollment, remediation, first-year credit attainment, persistence, and completion including the number of students who enrolled in a STEM field, and the number of students who received a credential in a STEM field. (3) The rate at which credits earned through postsecondary STEM pathways are recognized for credit by public institutions of higher education institutions. (4) Postsecondary degree attainment, including completion of an associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or recognized postsecondary credential, and the time it takes students to earn a degree. (5) Changes in access and rigor of STEM education offered to students served by local educational agencies in eligible entities. (6) To the extent practicable, analysis of student outcomes described in paragraphs (1) through (5) by STEM field. (h) Supplement, not supplant Federal funds provided under this section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal, State, or local funds available to carry out activities described in this section. (i) Authorization of appropriations For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

Summary: STEM Pathways Through College Act This bill requires the Department of Education to award competitive grants to eligible entities for increasing the number of students accessing and completing postsecondary STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) pathways. Eligible entity refers to a partnership between the state educational agency, one or more local educational agencies, and the state public higher education system. The partnership may also include other entities, such as businesses and nonprofit organizations.