Lucas’ legislation prioritizes STEM education in rural schools

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) on Nov. 5 offered a bipartisan bill that would bolster science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) offerings to the roughly nine million students — about 20 percent of all schoolchildren — who attend America’s rural schools.

“I want rural students to have every opportunity to be competitive in this job market and contribute STEM skills both to their communities and to the national workforce,” said Rep. Lucas, ranking member of the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. “Giving rural students access to high-quality STEM education is one of my highest priorities.”

Rep. Lucas sponsored the Rural STEM Education Act, H.R. 4979, with 12 original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT), to task the director of the National Science Foundation with supporting STEM education and workforce development research focused on rural areas, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“America needs a larger skilled STEM workforce to stay competitive, which is why STEM jobs are growing faster than any other sector and pay higher wages,” said Rep. Lucas, noting that H.R. 4979 would provide teachers with better tools to teach science and math, leverage local funds to engage students in key subjects, and address the lack of broadband access in rural communities.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues for helping me move this forward in a bipartisan way,” the congressman said.

Rep. McAdams also said that students in rural areas should receive STEM education to succeed in a global economy. “This bill supports teachers serving rural communities and provides for research into the special challenges facing them to provide STEM education, including having high-speed internet and other technology,” he said.

H.R. 4979 has been referred for consideration to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.