42 USC 18999 - Programs to address the STEM workforce

U.S Code last checked for updates: Jan 31, 2025

§ 18999.

Programs to address the STEM workforce

(a)

In general

(b)

Postdoctoral professional development

In carrying out this section, the Director shall encourage innovation in postdoctoral professional development, support the development and diversity of the STEM workforce, and study the impacts of such innovation and support. To do so, the Director may use postdoctoral awards established under subsection (a) or leveraged under subsection (d)(1) for fellowships or other temporary rotational postings of not more than 2 years. Such fellowships or temporary rotational postings shall be awarded—

(1)

to qualified individuals who have a doctoral degree and received such degree not earlier than 5 years before the date that the fellowship or temporary rotational posting begins; and

(2)

to carry out research at Federal, State, local, and Tribal government research facilities.

(c)

Direct hire authority

(1)

In general

(2)

Fellowship or temporary rotational posting

Paragraph (1) applies with respect to a former recipient of an award under this subsection who—

(A)

earned a doctoral degree in a STEM field from an institution of higher education; and

(B)

successfully fulfilled the requirements of the fellowship or temporary rotational posting within a Federal agency.

(3)

Limitation

(d)

Existing programs

In carrying out this section, the Director may leverage existing programs, including programs that issue—

(1)

postdoctoral awards;

(2)

graduate fellowships and traineeships, inclusive of the NSF Research Traineeships and fellowships awarded under the Graduate Research Fellowship Program;

(3)

scholarships, research experiences, and internships, including—

(A)

scholarships to attend community colleges; and

(B)

research experiences and internships under sections 1862p–5, 1862p–6, and 1862p–7 of this title; and

(4)

awards to institutions of higher education to enable the institutions to fund innovation in undergraduate and graduate education, increased educational capacity, and the development and establishment of new or specialized programs of study for graduate, undergraduate, or technical college students, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the programs of study.

(Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title III, § 10321, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1537.)

cite as: 42 USC 18999