Bridging the Race Gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (H.R. 4366)

What is H.R. 4366?

(Updated July 13, 2017)

Known as the Project Ready STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Act, the bill awards grants that support programming that replicates in-school, afterschool and summer programs for middle and high school youth operated by community-based organizations, such as Urban League affiliates. 

Argument in favor

Would aid in alleviating racial discrepancies in STEM-related fields. Makes next generation of American workers more competitive in the 21st-Century global marketplace.

Argument opposed

Falls short of providing a long-term solutions for race gap in science fields and for the education gap between the U.S. and other countries.

Impact

Impacts minority youth interested in and/or currently underexposed to science, technology, engineering and math curricula.

Cost of H.R. 4366

A CBO cost estimate is not available at this time.

Additional Info

Media:

Beacon Broadside: Chris Emdin, Hip-Hop and the Remix of Science Education

Black Politics on the Web: National Urban League Applauds H.R. 4366

HuffPo: National Urban League State of Black America 2014 Report: Minorities Losing Economic Ground

Of Note:

-According to the Equality Index in the State of Black America, there is a 30-point difference in achievement between African-American and white students in science and math. 

-The bill's sponsor, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) states on her website that "studies have found that African American college students enter college with STEM majors at a rate of 20%, but only 15% actually received a bachelor's degree in a STEM major. In the workforce, 72% of STEM related jobs are occupied by Whites, while Black and Hispanic workers occupy only 6%".