Shaheen Provisions Supporting STEM After-School Programs Included in Education Reform Legislation

SHAHEEN PROVISIONS SUPPORTING STEM AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS INCLUDED IN EDUCATION REFORM LEGISLATION

(WASHINGTON, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) included several key provisions supporting after-school education programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the reauthorization of legislation currently under consideration in the Senate that determines national elementary and secondary education policy.

“We need more of our students to discover a passion for science, engineering, technology, and math so the United States can continue to be a global economic leader,” said Shaheen. “Increasing federal support for afterschool programs in these fields are a great way to create and encourage the next generation of American innovators.”

Shaheen’s amendment to the Every Child Achieves Act supports STEM after-school learning programs by making federal funding available under a new STEM education grant program.  The bill also includes a Shaheen provision that provides support for low-income students in innovative STEM activities, such as robotics competitions.  These provisions are drawn from two bills introduced by Senator Shaheen earlier this year: the Innovation Inspiration School Grant Program Act and the Supporting Afterschool STEM Act.

Shaheen has made promoting STEM education one of her top priorities in the Senate and is a recognized leader by STEM Connector in their 100 Women in STEM publication. Shaheen helped launch and co-chairs the Senate STEM Caucus and has been a longtime supporter of efforts that promote programs like FIRST Robotics since her days as New Hampshire’s governor.