Supporting Diverse STEM Students Act

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve programs for minority students in STEM fields, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Supporting Diverse STEM Students Act 2. Minority science and engineering improvement program (a) Authorized use of funds Section 353(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067c(b) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking or (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding the following at the end: (C) providing direct financial assistance to students who are underrepresented in STEM; or (D) improving institutional capacity to provide— (i) guidance counseling and academic advising; (ii) work-study and work-based learning opportunities that are aligned to a student’s chosen field of study; (iii) faculty, peer, and near-peer mentorship; (iv) summer bridge programs; (v) undergraduate research opportunities; or (vi) individualized academic support and tutoring. ; and (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking or (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and inserting ; or (C) by adding the following at the end: (E) any of the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1). . (b) STEM fields Section 356 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended by striking science science (including computer science) (c) Cross-Program and cross-Agency cooperation Section 363 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067i 363. Cross-program and cross-agency cooperation (a) In general The Secretary shall cooperate and consult with other programs within the Department and within Federal, State, and private agencies which carry out programs to improve the quality of science, computer science, mathematics, and engineering education. (b) Report Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of Supporting Diverse STEM Students Act (1) outlines efforts to coordinate Federal grant programs for these populations to more effectively achieve the Federal Government’s objective to diversify the STEM fields; and (2) outlines strategies to align Federal Government research opportunities, internships, and deferred hiring programs from minority institutions receiving a grant under this part for students who are underrepresented in science and engineering. . (d) Definitions Section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067k (1) in paragraph (2), by striking science and engineering STEM (2) by striking paragraph (4) and redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively; (3) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated— (A) by striking science and engineering STEM (B) by striking scientists and engineers individuals in STEM (4) by adding at the end the following: (9) STEM The term STEM . (e) Other financial assistance Section 480(i) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087vv(i) Public Law 116–260 (6) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), direct financial assistance provided to the student under section 353(b)(1)(C), shall not be treated as other financial assistance for purposes of section 471(3). . (f) Effective date The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023, and as if included in the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116–260

Summary: Supporting Diverse STEM Students Act This bill authorizes minority institutions to use Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program funds to (1) provide direct financial assistance to students who are underrepresented in science (including computer science), technology, engineering, and mathematics; and (2) improve institutional capacity to provide students with certain services, such as guidance counseling, academic advising, work-study opportunities, and peer mentorship.