Meijer’s bipartisan bill provides more federal support for STEM education, training

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and training opportunities for America’s post-secondary students would be expanded under a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI).

“In order to remain competitive in the 21st Century economy, we must continue to increase our investments in programs that support students” in STEM, said Rep. Meijer.

The congressman on June 11 joined bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) to propose the Advanced Technological Manufacturing Act, H.R. 3828, which would amend the Scientific and Advanced-Technology Act of 1992 to increase federal financial support for advanced technological manufacturing and other STEM-related education and training, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Meijer’s office.

If enacted, H.R. 3828 would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a pilot program to help post-secondary schools successfully compete for NSF grants, the summary says. And $150 million in appropriations would be authorized for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to carry out the enacted bill, according to its text.

“All students deserve access to opportunities in the STEM fields,” Rep. Meijer said. “I’m proud to join Congressman Kildee in this bipartisan effort to expand higher education STEM programs in West Michigan’s community colleges.” 

Grand Rapids Community College, Mott Community College, and Delta College in Michigan endorsed the bill, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

“This bill will increase the ability for community colleges to train people for the professional trades that are the foundation of our economic strength and build our workforce of tomorrow, today,” said Mott Community College President Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea.