Lucas’ Rural STEM Education Bill Passed by House

  • May 20, 2021

Oklahoma Farm Report - Lucas Bill to Improve STEM Education in Rural Schools Passes House

 

The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Frank Lucas’ (OK-03) bipartisan Rural STEM Education Research Act this week.

The legislation addresses the inequities faced by rural students that make it harder to access quality STEM education, including giving teachers more resources and training in STEM, engaging students in hands-on education within their communities, increasing access to broadband, and supporting research to improve the quality of STEM learning in rural communities. The House passed H.R. 210- the Rural STEM Education Research Act by a vote of 350-75.

“Now, more than ever, America’s prosperity and security depend on an effective and inclusive science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science workforce- or STEM,” said Rep. Lucas.

His rural STEM Act supports research and development activities as the congressman pointed out that 80% of the fastest growing occupations depend upon STEM skills.

” I believe rural areas represent one of the greatest, yet most underutilized, opportunities for talented students to enhance the United States’ future STEM workforce.”

Lucas explained that STEM education for rural students is not an isolated problem: Nearly half of all schools are considered rural, and more than nine million students, or roughly 20% of all schoolchildren, attend rural schools. And of the 21 million Americans who lack access to broadband, the majority live in rural areas.
This bill also takes steps to address one of the key obstacles to rural STEM education – reduced connectivity, and, particularly, the lack of broadband access.
The Rural STEM Education Act was cosponsored by Science Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) 32 other Members of Congress.
Click here to watch Floor debate.

Jerry Bohnen