Heller introduces bill to advance community college STEM programs

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) on Oct. 15 introduced the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act to bolster the technical skills of a much-needed workforce in Nevada and around the country.

Sen. Heller’s bill aims to expand programs within the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at community colleges, among other provisions.   

“This legislation ensures that schools in Nevada, including two-year degree programs, can help equip students with the skills they need to be qualified candidates for jobs that require a background” in STEM, Sen. Heller said. “As a strong proponent of legislation that enhances Nevadans’ opportunities for success, I’ll continue working with my colleagues on solutions that will help students and Nevada workers compete in today’s global economy.”

The proposed legislation would require the director of the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants to community colleges to develop or improve associate or certificate programs in STEM fields with regard to the region where the respective college is located or in consideration of an in-demand industry sector or occupation, according to the text of the bill.

Introduction of this bill in the Senate continues Sen. Heller’s efforts to promote nationwide STEM programming. For instance, the president last month signed into law the bipartisan, bicameral Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations package, H.R. 6157, which included three Heller-authored provisions.

One of Sen. Heller’s provisions included in H.R. 6157, which funds the government through Dec. 7, requires the U.S. Department of Education to determine coordination with related federal agencies on ensuring that the nation’s students have access to STEM-specific programs at their schools.