Part A—Science Education Enhancement

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5003(d)(1), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 602, added heading.

§7381a. Science education programs

(a) Programs

The Secretary is authorized to establish programs to enhance the quality of mathematics, science, and engineering education. Any such programs shall be operated at or through the support of Department research and development facilities, shall use the scientific resources of the Department, and shall be consistent with the overall Federal plan for education and human resources in science and technology developed by the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology.

(b) Organization of science, engineering, and mathematics education programs

(1) Director of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science (referred to in this subsection as the "Under Secretary"), shall appoint a Director of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (referred to in this subsection as the "Director") with the principal responsibility for administering science, engineering, and mathematics education programs across all functions of the Department.

(2) Qualifications

The Director shall be an individual, who by reason of professional background and experience, is specially qualified to advise the Under Secretary on all matters pertaining to science, engineering, and mathematics education at the Department.

(3) Duties

The Director shall—

(A) oversee all science, engineering, and mathematics education programs of the Department;

(B) represent the Department as the principal interagency liaison for all science, engineering, and mathematics education programs, unless otherwise represented by the Secretary or the Under Secretary;

(C) prepare the annual budget and advise the Under Secretary on all budgetary issues for science, engineering, and mathematics education programs of the Department;

(D) increase, to the maximum extent practicable, the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented minorities at every level of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; and

(E) perform other such matters relating to science, engineering, and mathematics education as are required by the Secretary or the Under Secretary.

(4) Staff and other resources

The Secretary shall assign to the Director such personnel and other resources as the Secretary considers necessary to permit the Director to carry out the duties of the Director.

(5) Assessment

(A) In general

The Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy, not later than 5 years after, and not later than 10 years after, August 9, 2007, shall assess the performance of the science, engineering, and mathematics education programs of the Department.

(B) Considerations

An assessment under this paragraph shall be conducted taking into consideration, where applicable, the effect of science, engineering, and mathematics education programs of the Department on student academic achievement in science and mathematics.

(6) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection.

(c) Relationship to other Department activities

The programs described in subsection (a) shall supplement and be coordinated with current activities of the Department, but shall not supplant them.

(d) Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Fund

The Secretary shall establish a Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Fund, using not less than 0.3 percent of the amount made available to the Department for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for each fiscal year, to carry out sections 7381b, 7381c, and 7381c–1 of this title.

(e) Annual plan for allocation of education funding

The Secretary shall submit to Congress as part of the annual budget submission for a fiscal year a report describing the manner in which the Department has complied with subsection (d) for the prior fiscal year and the manner in which the Department proposes to comply with subsection (d) during the following fiscal year, including—

(1) the total amount of funding for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities for the corresponding fiscal year;

(2) the amounts set aside for the Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Fund under subsection (d) from funding for research activities, development activities, demonstration activities, and commercial application activities for the corresponding fiscal year; and

(3) a description of how the funds set aside under subsection (d) were allocated for the prior fiscal year and will be allocated for the following fiscal year.

(f) Programs for students from under-represented groups

In carrying out a program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority to activities that are designed to encourage students from under-represented groups to pursue scientific and technical careers.

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3164, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1841; Pub. L. 109–58, title XI, §§1102(a), 1105(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 938, 939; Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5003(a), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 601.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2007—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 110–69, §5003(a)(1), (2), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–69, §5003(a)(3), added subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d). Former text read as follows: "The Secretary shall use not less than 0.3 percent of the amount made available to the Department for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for fiscal year 2006 and each fiscal year thereafter to carry out activities authorized by this subchapter."

Pub. L. 110–69, §5003(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–69, §5003(a)(3), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–69, §5003(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (f).

2005—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–58, §1102(a), added subsec. (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–58, §1105(a), added subsec. (d).

§7381b. Laboratory cooperative science centers and other authorized education activities

(a) Activities

The Secretary is authorized to:

(1) Support research appointments for college and university science and engineering students, and for faculty-student teams, at Department research and development facilities.

(2) Support research appointments for high school science teachers at Department research and development facilities.

(3) Support research apprenticeship appointments at Department research and development facilities for students underrepresented in science and technology careers.

(4) Support research experience programs at Department research and development facilities for nationally selected high school honor students.

(5) Operate mathematics and science education programs for elementary and secondary students at Department research and development facilities.

(6) Establish a museum-based science education program.

(7) Establish collaborative inner-city and rural partnership programs designed to meet the special mathematics and science education needs of students in inner-city and rural areas.

(8) Provide paid administrative leave for employees of the Department or Department research and development facilities who volunteer to interact with schools, colleges, universities, teachers, or students for the purpose of science, mathematics, and engineering education.

(9) Establish a talent pool of volunteer scientists, mathematicians, and engineers who have retired from the Department or Department research and development facilities to serve at schools and school districts for the purpose of (A) assisting teachers, with activities such as experiments, lectures, or the preparation of materials; (B) serving as counselors to students on science, mathematics, and engineering; and (C) otherwise assisting science, mathematics, and engineering classes. The Secretary, acting through Department research and development facilities, shall, wherever possible, identify and match schools and school districts with retired scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

(10) Establish a Young Americans' Summer Science Camp Program to provide secondary school students with a hands-on science experience as well as exposure to working scientists and career counseling.

(11) Establish a program for mathematics and science teachers to provide teachers serving large numbers of disadvantaged students with new strategies for mathematics and science instruction.

(12) Support graduate students and, through university-based cooperative programs, undergraduate students for the purpose of encouraging more students to pursue scientific and technical careers, with a particular focus on the recruitment of women and minority students.

(13) Establish a prefreshman enrichment program in which middle-school students attend summer workshops on mathematics, science, and engineering conducted by universities on their campuses.

(14) Support competitive events for students under the supervision of teachers, designed to encourage student interest and knowledge in science and mathematics.

(15) Support competitively-awarded, peer-reviewed programs to promote professional development for mathematics teachers and science teachers who teach in grades from kindergarten through grade 12 at Department research and development facilities.

(16) Support summer internships at Department research and development facilities, for mathematics teachers and science teachers who teach in grades from kindergarten through grade 12.

(17) Sponsor and assist in educational and training activities identified as critical skills needs for future workforce development at Department research and development facilities.

(b) Use of facilities

Any of the activities authorized by subsection (a) may be conducted through Department research and development facilities. The Secretary may designate facilities conducting such education activities as "Laboratory Cooperative Science Centers".

(c) Funding

The Secretary is authorized to accept non-Federal funds to finance education activities described in subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3165, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1841; Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §704(d), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 120; Pub. L. 109–58, title XI, §1102(b), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 938.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (a)(14) to (17). Pub. L. 109–58, which directed amendment of this section by adding pars. (14) to (17) at the end, was executed by making the addition at the end of subsec. (a), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–25, §704(d)(1), redesignated subpars. (J) to (M) as pars. (10) to (13), respectively.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–25, §704(d)(2), inserted "such" before "education activities" in second sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–25 applicable as if included in enactment of Pub. L. 101–510, see section 704(e) of Pub. L. 102–25, set out as a note under section 12321 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

§7381c. Education partnerships

(a) Education partnerships

The Secretary may authorize each Department research and development facility, to the extent practicable and consistent with the provisions of the laboratory's management and operating contract, to enter into education partnership agreements with educational institutions in the United States (including local educational agencies, colleges, and universities) for the purpose of encouraging and enhancing study in scientific disciplines at all levels of education.

(b) Types of assistance

Under a partnership agreement entered into with an educational institution under subsection (a) and as authorized by the Secretary, a Department research and development facility may provide assistance to the educational institution by—

(1) loaning or transferring equipment to the institution;

(2) transferring to the institution equipment determined by the director of the Department research and development facility to be surplus;

(3) making personnel of Department research and development facilities available to teach science courses or to assist in the development of science courses and materials for the institution;

(4) involving faculty and students of the institution in research programs of Department research and development facilities;

(5) cooperating with the institution in developing a program under which students may be given academic credit for work on research projects of Department research and development facilities;

(6) providing academic and career advice and assistance to students of the institution; and

(7) providing funds to educational institutions to hire personnel to facilitate interactions between local school systems, Department research and development facilities, and corporate and governmental entities.

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3166, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 109–58, title XI, §1102(c), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 938.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–58, §1102(c)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "loaning equipment to the institution;".

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 109–58, §1102(c)(2)–(4), added par. (7).

§7381c–1. Partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Hispanic-serving institution

The term "Hispanic-serving institution" has the meaning given the term in section 1101a(a) of title 20.

(2) Historically Black college or university

The term "historically Black college or university" has the meaning given the term "part B institution" in section 1061 of title 20.

(3) National Laboratory

The term "National Laboratory" has the meaning given the term in section 15801 of this title.

(4) Science facility

The term "science facility" has the meaning given the term "single-purpose research facility" in section 16182 of this title.

(5) Tribal college

The term "tribal college" has the meaning given the term "tribally controlled college or university" in section 1801(a) of title 25.

(b) Education partnership

The Secretary shall require the director of each National Laboratory, and may require the head of any science facility, to increase the participation of historically Black colleges or universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, or tribal colleges in any activity that increases the capacity of the historically Black colleges or universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, or tribal colleges to train personnel in science or engineering.

(c) Activities

An activity described in subsection (b) includes—

(1) collaborative research;

(2) equipment transfer;

(3) training activities carried out at a National Laboratory or science facility; and

(4) mentoring activities carried out at a National Laboratory or science facility.

(d) Report

Not later than 2 years after August 8, 2005, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the activities carried out under this section.

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3167, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title XI, §1105(b)(2), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 940; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title IX, §941(k)(2)(M), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3467.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 3167 of Pub. L. 101–510 was renumbered section 3168 and is classified to section 7381d of this title.

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 110–315 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1801(a) of title 25.

§7381c–2. Broadening participation for teachers and scientists

(a) In general

The Secretary shall—

(1) expand opportunities to increase the number of highly skilled science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals working in disciplines relevant to the mission of the Department; and

(2) broaden the recruitment pool to increase participation from Historically Black Colleges or Universities (as defined in section 7381c–3(f) of this title), Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in that section), Tribal Colleges or Universities (as defined in that section), minority-serving institutions (as defined in that section), institutions in eligible jurisdictions (as defined in that section), emerging research institutions, community colleges, and scientific societies in those disciplines.

(b) Plan

Not later than 1 year after August 9, 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and make available to the public a plan for broadening participation of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in programs supported by the Department, including—

(1) a plan for supporting relevant Federal research award grantees and leveraging the National Science Foundation INCLUDES National Network and relevant partnerships, including partnerships maintained by other Federal research agencies;

(2) metrics for assessing the participation of underrepresented groups in programs supported by the Department;

(3) experienced and potential barriers to broadening participation of underrepresented groups in programs supported by the Department, including recommended solutions; and

(4) any other activities the Secretary determines appropriate.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 7381e of this title, not less than $2,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated each fiscal year for the activities described in this section.

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3167A, as added Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10111(c)(1), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1456.)

§7381c–3. Expanding opportunities for highly skilled science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals

(a) In general

The Secretary shall—

(1) expand opportunities and increase the number of highly skilled science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals working in disciplines relevant to the mission of the Department; and

(2) broaden the recruitment pool to increase participation from and expand partnerships with Historically Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic serving institutions, Tribal Colleges or Universities, minority-serving institutions, institutions in eligible jurisdictions, emerging research institutions, community colleges, and scientific societies in those disciplines.

(b) Plan and outreach strategy

(1) Plan

(A) In general

Not later than 180 days after August 9, 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a 10-year educational plan to fund and expand new or existing programs administered by the Office of Science and sited at the National Laboratories and Department user facilities to expand educational and workforce development opportunities for underrepresented individuals, including—

(i) high school, undergraduate, and graduate students; and

(ii) recent graduates, teachers, and faculty in STEM fields.

(B) Contents

The plan under subparagraph (A) may include paid internships, fellowships, temporary employment, training programs, visiting student and faculty programs, sabbaticals, and research support.

(2) Outreach capacity

The Secretary shall include in the plan under paragraph (1) an outreach strategy to improve the advertising, recruitment, and promotion of educational and workforce development programs to community colleges, Historically Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges or Universities, minority-serving institutions, institutions in eligible jurisdictions, and emerging research institutions.

(c) Building research capacity

(1) In general

The Secretary shall develop programs that strengthen the research capacity relevant to Office of Science disciplines at emerging research institutions, including minority-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges or Universities, Historically Black Colleges or Universities, institutions in eligible jurisdictions (as defined in section 13503(b)(3)(A) of this title), institutions in communities with dislocated workers who were previously employed in manufacturing, energy production, including coal power plants, and mineral and material mining, and other institutions of higher education.

(2) Inclusions

The programs developed under paragraph (1) may include—

(A) enabling mutually beneficial and jointly managed partnerships between research-intensive institutions and emerging research institutions; and

(B) soliciting research proposals, fellowships, training programs, and research support directly from emerging research institutions.

(d) Traineeships

(1) In general

The Secretary shall establish a university-led Traineeship Program to address workforce development needs in STEM fields relevant to the Department.

(2) Focus

The focus of the Traineeship Program established under paragraph (1) shall be on—

(A) supporting workforce development and research experiences for underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students; and

(B) increasing participation from underrepresented populations.

(3) Inclusion

The traineeships under the Traineeship Program established under paragraph (1) shall include opportunities to build the next-generation workforce in research areas critical to maintaining core competencies across the programs of the Office of Science.

(e) Evaluation

(1) In general

The Secretary shall establish key performance indicators to measure and monitor progress of education and workforce programs and expand Departmental activities for data collection and analysis.

(2) Report

Not later than 2 years after August 9, 2022, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report summarizing progress toward meeting the key performance indicators established under paragraph (1).

(f) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Community college

The term "community college" means—

(A) a public institution of higher education, including additional locations, at which the highest awarded degree, or the predominantly awarded degree, is an associate degree; or

(B) any Tribal college or university.

(2) Dislocated worker

The term "dislocated worker" has the meaning given the term in section 3102 of title 29.

(3) Hispanic-serving institution

The term "Hispanic-serving institution" has the meaning given the term in section 1101a(a) of title 20.

(4) Historically Black College or University

The term "Historically Black College or University" has the meaning given the term "part B institution" in section 1061 of title 20.

(5) Institution in an eligible jurisdiction

The term "institution in an eligible jurisdiction" means an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) that is located in an eligible jurisdiction (as defined in section 13503(b)(3)(A) of this title).

(6) Minority-serving institution

The term "minority-serving institution" includes the entities described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 1067q(a) of title 20.

(7) STEM

The term "STEM" means the subjects listed in section 2 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note; Public Law 114–59).

(8) Tribal College or University

The term "Tribal College or University" has the meaning given the term in section 1059c(b) of title 20.

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3167B, as added Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10111(c)(1), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1457.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Education and Labor of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Education and the Workforce of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

§7381d. Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Energy.

(2) The term "Department" means the Department of Energy.

(3) The term "Department research and development facilities" means all Department of Energy single-purpose and multipurpose National Laboratories and research and development facilities and programs, and any other facility or program operated by a contractor funded by the Department of Energy.

(4) The term "local educational agency" has the meaning given that term by section 2891(12) ¹ of title 20.

(5) National laboratory.—The term "National Laboratory" has the meaning given the term in section 15801 of this title.

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3168, formerly §3167, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 105–245, title III, §309(b)(2)(D), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1853; renumbered §3168 and amended Pub. L. 109–58, title XI, §§1102(d), 1105(b)(1), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 938, 939; Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5003(c), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 602.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 2891(12) of title 20, referred to in par. (4), was in the original "section 1471(12) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 2891(12))", Pub. L. 89–10, and was omitted in the general amendment of that Act by Pub. L. 103–382, title I, §101, Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 3519. See section 7801 of Title 20, Education.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 3168 of Pub. L. 101–510 was renumbered section 3169 and is classified to section 7381e of this title.

Amendments

2007—Par. (5). Pub. L. 110–69 added par. (5).

2005—Par. (3). Pub. L. 109–58, §1102(d), substituted "by the Department of Energy" for "from the Office of Science of the Department of Energy".

1998—Par. (3). Pub. L. 105–245 substituted "Office of Science" for "Office of Energy Research".

¹ See References in Text note below.

§7381e. Authorization of appropriations

Out of funds authorized to be appropriated for the Office of Science of the Department of Energy in a fiscal year, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out university research support and other science, mathematics, and engineering education programs authorized by this part and administered by the Office of Science of the Department of Energy, $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

(Pub. L. 101–510, div. C, title XXXI, §3169, formerly §3168, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 105–245, title III, §309(b)(2)(D), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1853; renumbered §3169, Pub. L. 109–58, title XI, §1105(b)(1), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 939; Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5003(d)(2), Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 603; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, §10111(b), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1456.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–167 substituted "Out of funds authorized to be appropriated for the Office of Science of the Department of Energy in a fiscal year, there are" for "There are" and "each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027" for "fiscal year 1991".

2007—Pub. L. 110–69 substituted "this part" for "this subchapter".

1998—Pub. L. 105–245 substituted "Office of Science" for "Office of Energy Research".