H. Res. 77 
In the House of Representatives, U. S., 
February 26, 2013. 
Resolved, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This resolution may be cited as the ‘‘Academic Competi-
tion Resolution of 2013’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
The House of Representatives finds as follows: 
(1) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and 
Mathematics) fields and knowledge have been integral to 
the development of civilization over the centuries. 
(2) STEM fields have been, and continue to be, 
vital to a healthy and thriving United States. 
(3) STEM fields are even more important in a 
world and nation of continuous and rapid technological 
advancements and needs. 
(4) STEM fields are necessary to ensure a qualified 
national workforce and growing American economy, and 
a recent study predicted that one-half of all STEM jobs 
in 2020 will be related to the field of computer science.
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(5) A recent study found that less than one-third of 
eighth graders in the United States showed proficiency 
in mathematics and science. 
(6) A recent study found that only 9 States allowed 
computer science courses to count toward high school 
students’ core graduation requirements. 
(7) A recent study found that only one-third of the 
bachelor’s degrees earned in the United States are in a 
STEM field. 
(8) A recent study found that more than one-half 
of the science and engineering graduate students in in-
stitutions of higher education in the United States are 
from outside the United States. 
(9) Efforts to encourage students to work in STEM 
fields will enhance collaborative efforts between our sec-
ondary education systems and STEM-related fields and 
industries. 
(10) The global economy demands that the United 
States continue to lead the world in innovation, cre-
ativity, and STEM-related research. 
(11) Bringing together Members of Congress and 
their younger constituents to participate in activities 
that will result in a deeper appreciation for STEM fields 
will foster enthusiasm for education in the sciences.
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(12) The support which students will gain through 
Congressional recognition of their work on STEM-re-
lated projects will encourage them to pursue career 
paths in STEM studies and research. 
(13) It is appropriate for the House of Representa-
tives to institute a new and worthwhile competition to 
encourage students to participate in STEM studies and 
research. 
(14) Rapid technological change means the competi-
tion will evolve over time and will challenge students in 
specialized areas of science, technology, engineering and 
math to ensure maximum participation. Because of the 
importance of computer science it would be appropriate 
to initially challenge students to develop so-called ‘‘apps’’ 
for mobile, tablet, and computer platforms. 
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL COMPETITION IN SCIENCE, TECH-
NOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPETITION.—There is here-
by established an academic competition in the fields of 
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which shall 
be held each year among students in each Congressional dis-
trict. 
(b) REGULATIONS.—The competition under this resolu-
tion shall be carried out in accordance with such regulations 
as may be prescribed by the Committee on House Adminis-