Sec. 522 — Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

Statutory text

(a) In general. Chapter 102 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:2037.Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program

(a) Program. The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a program to assist units of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps in providing participants opportunities in STEM fields.

(b) Elements. The program required by subsection (a) shall include—(1)the provision of guidance and best practices for identifying, evaluating, formalizing, and managing partnerships with local educational agencies, community colleges and trade schools, institutions of higher education, private-sector entities (including non-profit organizations) with expertise in STEM field programming and career and technical education, the defense industrial base, and any other entities with capacity and capability to support learning and development in STEM fields;(2)the provision of templates for agreements to facilitate the establishment of such partnerships;(3)the establishment of a national directory of prospective partners for opportunities in STEM fields; and(4)the establishment of a directory of opportunities in STEM fields for participants in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

(c) Continuation of effective programs. In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall continue and maintain any Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps STEM field program that existed before the enactment of this section if such program demonstrates satisfactory participation and learning outcomes.

(d) STEM field definedIn this section, the term STEM field means the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics..

(b) Briefing. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the development, implementation, and initial outcomes of the program required by section 2037 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).