WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement in response to Senate passage of her bipartisan Building Blocks of STEM Act.
“I’m happy to report that my bipartisan Building Blocks of STEM Act has cleared a new milestone by passing the Senate,” said Senator Rosen. “This bill is now one step closer to becoming law. The gender gap in STEM is depriving our country of talented minds that could be inventing the next breakthrough technology, developing the next big startup, or keeping our nation safe from cyberattacks. I’ll continue to support legislation that will give our students in Nevada and across the country tools that will prepare them for the careers of the future.”
“The earlier we introduce STEM skills and knowledge to students, the more prepared they are for future careers,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), the bill’s co-lead. “I’m proud to work with Senator Rosen and our colleagues to encourage all students—especially young women and girls—to pursue jobs in the STEM field, and I’m thrilled our legislation passed the Senate. The tech industry is growing in Appalachia, and we want our students to be able to contribute to the economy at home in West Virginia with competitive, high-paying STEM jobs.”
BACKGROUND: Earlier this year, Senators Rosen and Capito introduced S. 737, the bipartisan Building Blocks of STEM Act, which would create and expand upon STEM education initiatives at the National Science Foundation (NSF) for young children, including new research grants to increase the participation of girls in computer science. In May, the Building Blocks of STEM Act passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
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