Congress is helping create the workforce of the future by investing in computer science and STEM
Congress is helping create the workforce of the future by investing in computer science and STEM. Our Executive Director Tim Lordan wrote a thread on recently passed legislation that addresses artificial intelligence, cyber security, innovation, among other things.
On Monday Congress took the first step to create the workforce of the future by funding #computerscience and #STEM education - mostly in higher ed. Dozens of CS and STEM bills aimed at Prek-12 are queued up alongside the American Jobs Plan. Here's a quick thread on HR 2225. 1/ pic.twitter.com/yQyEm3a5Ay
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021
345 - 67 the House overwhelmingly passed the "National Science Foundation for the Future Act" by @RepEBJ & @RepFrankLucas (H.R. 2225). It invests in America's competitiveness by funding higher ed institutions in the areas of #STEM and #computerscience. 2/ https://t.co/dJZaNHbtut
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021
The bill relates to the #USICA and provides $72 million for training #cybersecurity professionals for Federal, State, local, and tribal governments (much needed). It's through the little known Cybercorps Scholarship for Service Program within @USOPM. https://t.co/33TjUu6Ybc 3/ pic.twitter.com/W2ZnjLp43Z
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021
HR 2225 also provides $100 million for low-income students to get associates, undergrad, and graduate degrees in #STEM and #computerscience 4/
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021
It also allocates part of $150 million for AI "traineeships." But it only goes to students pursuing masters or doctorate degrees. The funds are conditioned on requiring "technology ethics" courses and training. #artificialintellgence 5/ pic.twitter.com/fTUnTE3wuU
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021
Beyond that HR 2225 funds research into areas to inspire and engage students in #STEM and #computerscience. There is funding to explore before-school, after-school, out-of-school, or summer activities for PREK-8 students - including those underrepresented and rural. 6/ pic.twitter.com/YXtD8un5j9
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021
Generally, HR 2225 focuses on funding for students going for STEM degrees beyond K-12 but it does provide funding for students who want to teach STEM and computer science in K-12. It offers funds for research on what programs work for PREK-8 students. 7/
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021
What's missing? Direct funding for PREK-12 #computerscience programs and teachers. The American Jobs Plan & @RepBarbaraLee's H.R. 3602 would direct resources to help current K-12 students and teachers pursue computer science and #STEM outcomes. 8/8 https://t.co/5qOXbLn9Hu
— Tim Lordan (@tlordan) July 1, 2021