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.”