Education

Pell to Grad Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2020

Pell to Grad Act This bill raises from 12 to 16 the total number of semesters during which a student may receive a Pell Grant. It also allows income-eligible graduate students who received Pell Grants during their undergraduate education to utilize their remaining Pell Grant eligibility toward their first graduate degree, subject to this 16-semester duration limit. Currently, Pell Grants are available only to undergraduate students, subject to the 12-semester duration limit.

Clery Compliance Officer Designation Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2020

Clery Compliance Officer Designation Act of 2020 This bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that receives federal aid to designate a compliance officer to carry out the IHE's responsibilities related to (1) collecting campus crime statistics and campus security policies, and (2) submitting campus crime statistics annually to the Department of Education.

COAT Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Charter Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency Act or the COAT Act This bill requires state educational agencies, in order to receive certain federal funds, to ensure that each contract between a charter school located in the state and a private charter management organization includes certain compliance requirements. Specifically, such organization must annually disclose certain information to the Department of Education (ED), including the identity of each charter school it operates or manages, the amount expended on operations and administration, information about its contracts, and an audited income statement. ED must publish such information on its website. Additionally, such organization must hold board meetings that are open and accessible to the public.

SAFE PLAY Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Supporting Athletes, Families and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth Act of 2020 or the SAFE PLAY Act of 2020 This bill directs several agencies to undertake specified activities and expand surveillance related to cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses among young athletes. The bill also establishes requirements for schools with respect to concussions and excessive heat. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must (1) develop information for schools, childcare centers, and others on high-risk cardiac conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults; and (2) incorporate questions about cardiac conditions in an existing school-based health survey. In addition, the CDC must develop guidelines for emergency action plans for youth athletics programs, and the Food and Drug Administration may issue guidelines related to youth consumption of energy drinks. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award matching grants to local educational agencies for automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainings. The Department of Education, in consultation with HHS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, must develop public education materials focused on the health risks of exposure to extreme heat and humidity, and public schools must develop action plans for athletic activities during periods of excessive heat or humidity. The bill establishes minimum requirements for elementary and secondary schools related to concussions, including but not limited to (1) implementing a standard plan for concussion safety and management, and (2) ensuring students returning to academics after a concussion receive certain services and supports.

Consumer Financial Education and Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Consumer Financial Education and Empowerment Act This bill establishes within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau a program to award grants to certain nonprofit organizations, state governments, and local governments for financial literacy programs. Programs eligible for grants may include education regarding credit, student loan debt, homeownership, investments, retirement, or starting a business.

Condemning the comments of Senator and Democratic Socialist Presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders (I-VT), disregarding the history of systemic human rights abuses, forced indoctrination, and authoritarian actions of the literacy and education policies of the Communist Castro dictatorship in Cuba.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

This resolution (1) condemns specified comments by Senator Sanders with respect to Cuba; (2) rejects claims that health care, literacy, and education improved under Fidel Castro; and (3) calls for the respect of all basic human rights for the Cuban people, with whom the House of Representatives stands in solidarity.

CARE for Families Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Community Access, Resources, and Education for Families Act of 2020 or the CARE for Families Act of 2020 This bill establishes a grant program in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to facilitate collaboration between WIC agencies and clinics and community health partners, including health care providers, social services programs, and early childhood learning and care providers. Among other purposes, WIC agencies and clinics may use grants to (1) promote community health and nutrition, (2) create linkages among such community partners, (3) ensure consistent nutrition education and breastfeeding information, and (4) conduct outreach to existing and potential program participants.

Saving America's Future by Educating Kids Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Saving America's Future by Educating Kids Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to develop and disseminate an evidence-based curriculum on substance use disorders (e.g., opioids, tobacco, and vaping) for grades K-12. ED must review and update such curriculum every two years. Additionally, ED must award grants to state educational agencies to implement such evidence-based curriculum. In awarding such grants, ED must give priority to those states that have experienced the highest drug overdose death rates per capita.

Clean Air Sharp Minds Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Clean Air Sharp Minds Act This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to jointly administer a school air filters demonstration program in public elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, ED and the EPA must select at least 175 schools to participate in the program, with priority given to schools located in areas with higher levels of air pollution. ED and the EPA must use program funds to (1) purchase and install commercial air filters in every classroom, office, and common area that students access in participating schools; (2) maintain such air filters for three years; and (3) provide technical support to participating schools.

SAFE PLAY Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Supporting Athletes, Families and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth Act or the SAFE PLAY Act This bill directs several agencies to undertake specified activities and expand surveillance related to cardiac conditions, concussions, and heat-related illnesses among young athletes. The bill also establishes requirements for schools with respect to concussions and excessive heat. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must (1) develop information for schools, childcare centers, and others on high-risk cardiac conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults; and (2) incorporate questions about cardiac conditions in an existing school-based health survey. In addition, the CDC must develop guidelines for emergency action plans for youth athletics programs, and the Food and Drug Administration may issue guidelines related to youth consumption of energy drinks. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award matching grants to local educational agencies for automated external defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainings. The Department of Education, in consultation with HHS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, must develop public education materials focused on the health risks of exposure to extreme heat and humidity, and public schools must develop action plans for athletic activities during periods of excessive heat or humidity. The bill establishes minimum requirements for elementary and secondary schools related to concussions, including but not limited to (1) implementing a standard plan for concussion safety and management, and (2) ensuring students returning to academics after a concussion receive certain services and supports.

National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2020 This bill establishes the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation as a federally chartered entity to serve as a national independent forum to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between aviation and aerospace stakeholders for the purpose of supporting and promoting civil and military aviation and aerospace in order to address the demands and challenges associated with ensuring a safe and vibrant national aviation system. In furtherance of that purpose, the center must focus on the development and sustainability of a well-qualified, well-trained civil and military aviation and aerospace workforce; conduct of research and development of new aviation and aerospace training materials and products; coordination of the dissemination of grants for the development of aviation and aerospace oriented high school STEM education curriculum; facilitation of collaboration between institutions of higher education or other research institutions engaged in aviation, aerospace or related research or technical development, including those institutions designated as Centers of Excellence or Test Centers of the Federal Aviation Administration and aviation and aerospace stakeholders; and engagement in other workforce development activities consistent with addressing the demands and challenges facing the aviation and aerospace industry.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

This resolution designates February 2020 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.

A resolution designating the week of February 24 through February 28, 2020, as "Public Schools Week".

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

This resolution designates the week of February 24-February 28, 2020, as Public Schools Week.

A resolution designating March 6, 2020, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day".

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

This resolution designates March 6, 2020, as National Speech and Debate Education Day.

Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act This bill directs the National Science Foundation to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants to institutions of higher education (or their consortia) to support multidisciplinary, fundamental research with potential relevance to suicide, including potential relevance to prevention and treatment. In awarding such grants, the NSF shall encourage applications submitted by early career researchers, including doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, to promote the researchers' development.

A resolution designating March 2, 2020, as "Read Across America Day".

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2020

This resolution designates March 2, 2020, as Read Across America Day. The resolution (1) honors all authors for their successes in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading; (2) honors the 23rd anniversary of Read Across America Day; and (3) encourages parents, educators, and communities to read with their children for at least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day.

MADE HERE Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2020

Manufacturing American Dynamism in Entrepreneurship and Harnessing Education to Retool Employees Act or the MADE HERE Act This bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense to establish a manufacturing cluster program to award resources and grants to eligible manufacturing clusters, and it establishes an interagency entity to oversee and coordinate the activities of manufacturing cluster programs at federal agencies. A manufacturing cluster is a geographic concentration of companies and institutions within a particular field of manufacturing that engage collaboratively in workforce development, technology development, supply chain sourcing, and other activities. The program shall be comprised of three phases wherein awards shall be distributed to manufacturing clusters for (1) the development of a detailed implementation plan, (2) the implementation of such plan, and (3) continuing the activities of the cluster. Phase two and three awards may be used for purposes such as developing and deploying educational programs for cluster members, funding efforts with respect to supply chain sourcing and innovation, and developing shared infrastructure or resources for cluster members.

P3 Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2020

Partnerships for Progress and Prosperity Act or the P3 Act This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education to improve students' education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each grantee shall partner with an employer in a STEM field to assist students in obtaining internships or apprenticeships, develop STEM coursework curricula and metrics, carry out dual-credit courses, provide tutoring and mentoring, enable students and teachers to attend STEM events outside of the classroom, provide after-school and summer STEM programs, and purchase educational materials or equipment to facilitate STEM instruction. In awarding grants under the program, ED shall give special consideration to applicants that promote in-classroom engagement between STEM professionals and students; use technology-based instructional materials and content; pair mentors and tutors with students struggling to meet curriculum benchmarks; in the case of LEA applicants, serve schools in which most students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch; and propose to use grant funds to target interventions for populations that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields, including women, minorities, and low-income students. Each grantee shall provide matching funds equal to 50% of the grant amount.

DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021

United States · United States Senate · 25 February 2020

TechSMART Workforce Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

TechSMART Workforce Development Act This bill directs the Department of Labor to establish a TechSMART Workforce Development Program, under which Labor shall provide to eligible entities (i.e., a workforce intermediary, a public organization, or certain tax-exempt charitable organizations that include an advisory board) grants for technology sector job training and education programs that provide industry-recognized credentials during the five-year grant period.

Public Library Innovation Space Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Public Library Innovation Space Act This bill requires the Institute of Museum and Library Services to carry out a program for making competitive grants to eligible partnerships (composed of a public library and an economic development corporation, a local government, a tribal government, a state government, an elementary or secondary school, a museum, an institution of higher education, a nonprofit organization, a corporation, and/or other entities) to establish makerspaces at public libraries. A makerspace is a facility (which may be at a fixed location or a mobile unit) that is open to the public and provides individuals with access to (1) tools, technology, and educational resources designed to enable such individuals to create physical goods, including prototypes; and (2) educational opportunities, including vocational training and assistance with early-stage business ventures. A partnership must contribute, for the activities for which the grant was awarded, nonfederal matching funds in an amount determined appropriate by the institute. Each eligible partnership that receives a grant may not use its grant funds, or the matching funds contributed by it, for construction activities at a public library that would provide extra square footage to house a makerspace.

Student Apprenticeship Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Student Apprenticeship Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to certain partnerships to enable the development and implementation of a postsecondary apprenticeship program. An eligible partnership must consist of (1) at least one institution of higher education, (2) at least one individual employer, and (3) a workforce intermediary (an entity that demonstrates expertise in fostering partnerships in order to support postsecondary apprenticeship programs). Such partnership may also include other entities such as a state agency responsible for administering career and technical education, a labor organization, or an economic development agency. ED must not provide a grant to a partnership seeking to establish an apprenticeship in construction trades. A partnership that receives a grant must use the funds to develop and implement a postsecondary apprenticeship program in a high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sector or occupation. Additionally, an apprenticeship shall qualify as a work-study program through which a student apprentice is eligible for federal financial assistance.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

This resolution supports the designation of Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.

BEST Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching Act or the BEST Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award renewable two-year grants to states to establish or improve, and carry out, Seal of Biliteracy programs to recognize student proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and a second language. Such programs must allow speakers of any official Native American language to use equivalent proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in such language in lieu of proficiency in English.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Training Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2020

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Training Act of 2020 This bill requires the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) within the Administration for Children and Families to award grants to nonprofits, state agencies, and elementary and secondary schools for demonstration projects to train students, teachers, and school personnel how to better understand, recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking and the exploitation of children and youth. Such projects also must collect data about the number of human trafficking survivors served and develop procedures to coordinate with law enforcement and appropriate social service organizations. The OTIP must consult with appropriate agencies to determine and prioritize funding for geographic areas with the highest prevalence of human trafficking and largest underserved youth populations.

National Jazz Preservation, Education, and Promulgation Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2020

National Jazz Preservation, Education, and Promulgation Act of 2020 This bill establishes a National Jazz Preservation Program and a National Jazz Appreciation Program, to be carried out by the Smithsonian Institution through the National Museum of American History, to (1) preserve knowledge and promote education about jazz, and (2) further the appreciation of jazz music throughout the nation. The Smithsonian Institution shall (1) record interviews with leading jazz artists; (2) acquire, preserve, and interpret jazz artifacts; (3) continue to recognize Jazz Appreciation Month; (4) establish collaborative agreements for the sharing of such artifacts; and (5) encourage, consult with, and engage in capacity building with community-based and regional organizations with the potential to establish jazz archival collections. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow the use of certain funds for programs to promote jazz education, which may include (1) a Jazz Artists in the Schools program, (2) a program for the development and distribution of educational materials about jazz and teacher training on jazz education, and (3) an Ambassadors of Jazz program. The Smithsonian Institution shall establish a series of jazz performances at Smithsonian affiliates that provides broad geographic access to jazz and supports public appreciation for the diversity of jazz music.

To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States whose visionary leadership secured passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, Social Security Amendments Act (Medicare) of 1965, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Higher Education Act of 1965, and Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2020

This bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to President Lyndon B. Johnson in recognition of his contributions to the nation. The bill requires such medal to be given to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum following its award, where it will be available for display and research.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2020

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2019 This bill requires research and education activities related to triple-negative breast cancer. (The cells of these breast cancers are negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein.) The National Institutes of Health must conduct and support research into the disease, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration must develop and disseminate information about triple-negative breast cancer for the public and for health care providers, respectively. Among other topics, the information must cover the elevated risk for minority women and the availability of a range of treatment options for such cancers.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of February 24 through February 28, 2020, as "Public Schools Week".

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2020

This resolution supports the designation of Public Schools Week.

Ronald V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship for Women of Color in STEAM and National Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2020

Ronald V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship for Women of Color in STEAM and National Security Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a fellowship program that provides scholarships and internships to underrepresented students who have high potential talent in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) in exchange for those students working in the federal government or in a STEAM field upon graduation. DOD must award at least 50% of the number of fellowships under the program to students who attend historically black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions.

RECYCLE Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education Act of 2020 or the RECYCLE Act This bill provides support for recycling programs. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to award grants to improve the effectiveness of residential and community recycling programs through public education and outreach. In addition, the EPA must develop a model recycling program toolkit for states, Native American tribes, and local governments. Finally, the bill specifies that the EPA's review of its federal procurement guidelines for purchasing certain recycled materials and items made with such materials must occur at least once every five years.

Nutrition Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Nutrition Education Act This bill requires a local educational agency that participates in a school lunch or breakfast program to require each student to receive 50 hours of nutrition education per school year. Such instruction must be consistent with applicable school meal program requirements as well as meet certain other standards with respect to content and delivery.

Vaping Prevention on College Campuses Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Vaping Prevention on College Campuses Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Education to develop and publish resources (e.g., action plans and visual aids) to help institutions of higher education reduce the use of e-cigarettes by students on their campuses.

Foreign Influence Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Foreign Influence Transparency Act This bill addresses foreign influence in higher education and in certain other academic, religious, and artistic pursuits. Current law exempts from foreign agent registration requirements a person engaging in activities in furtherance of religious, scholastic, academic, or scientific pursuits or of the fine arts. The bill specifies that this exemption applies only to those activities that do not promote the political agenda of a foreign government. Under current law, an institution of higher education is required to disclose to the Department of Education a gift or contract that is from a foreign source and is valued at $250,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or contracts with a foreign source. The bill instead requires the institution to disclose such a gift or contract that is valued at $50,000 or more. An institution must include in its disclosure report the contents of any such contract and make the contents available for public disclosure.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Training Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Training Act of 2020 This bill establishes a demonstration grant program within the Administration for Children and Families for nonprofits, local and state education agencies, and elementary and secondary schools to train students, school personnel, and parents to recognize and prevent human trafficking and child exploitation.

Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2020

Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Pilot Program to award grants to local educational agencies for (1) projects that hire qualified, full-time food and nutrition educators to carry out programs in schools that have the goal of improving student health and nutrition; and (2) projects that fund school gardens or other evidence-based interventions relating to student health and nutrition to create hands-on learning opportunities for students. In awarding grants under the program, USDA must prioritize projects that serve schools or districts (1) in which not less than 40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, or (2) that include neighborhoods with high rates of childhood obesity or other diet-related diseases.

Fracking Ban Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Fracking Ban Act This bill phases out hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas. Hydraulic fracturing or fracking is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the geological formation. The bill prohibits federal agencies from issuing permits for the expansion of fracking or fracked oil and natural gas infrastructure, including infrastructure intended to extract, transport, or burn natural gas or oil. In addition, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to complete a survey of all oil and natural gas wells to identify the wells where fracking is, or has been, used. The survey must include a variety of data, including data on the proximity of fracking operations to inhabited structures (e.g., homes or schools). Beginning on February 1, 2021, the bill revokes permits for wells where fracking is, or has been, used within 2,500 feet of inhabited structures. The bill bans all fracking on onshore and offshore land by 2025. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Labor to establish a Just Transition Committee to make recommendations on ensuring the health and safety of individuals residing in, and the prosperity of, natural gas- and oil-producing regions during the phaseout of fracking.

American Territories Exporting Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

American Territories Exporting Act of 2020 This bill requires the Export-Import Bank to establish an Office of Territorial Exporting to (1) promote the territories' export of goods and services, (2) conduct outreach and education on export opportunities and the availability of Bank support, and (3) increase the total amount of assistance provided to benefit the territories.

YouthBuild International Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

YouthBuild International Act This bill authorizes the President to establish a program to provide certain assistance to developing countries. The purposes of such program include (1) providing disadvantaged youth with opportunities to receive the education and training necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency; and (2) expanding the supply of permanent affordable housing for homeless individuals and low-income families and improving the quality of community, nonprofit, and public facilities.

Agriculture Resilience Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Agriculture Resilience Act This bill addresses national greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts in the U.S. agriculture sector, including a national goal to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2040. Among other things, the bill expands the purposes of federally supported agricultural research, extension, and education to include accelerating the ability of agriculture and the food system of the United States to first achieve net zero carbon emissions and then go further to be carbon positive by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a national network of regional hubs for risk adaptation and mitigation to climate change; creates a soil health grant program for state and tribal governments; revises the agricultural conservation easement program to require owners that receive cost-share assistance to have a conservation plan in place that addresses applicable resource concerns for the land subject to the easement, including soil health and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; establishes an alternative manure management program to support non-digester dairy and livestock methane management strategies to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to maximize environmental benefits; directs USDA to study dual-use renewable energy systems, including an assessment on the compatibility of different species of livestock and crop types with dual-use renewable energy system designs; and provides competitive grants and technical assistance for local educational agencies to implement food waste measurement and reporting, prevention, education, and reduction projects.

Expressing support for the designation of the first Saturday of every January as "National FIRST Robotics Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

This resolution supports the designation of a National FIRST Robotics Day and its celebration around the United States. The resolution also encourages schools and educators to observe the day with activities that teach students about robotics and engage them with the study of mathematics and science.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Engineers Week.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Engineers Week to increase understanding of, and interest in, engineering and technology careers. The resolution recognizes that engineering education is a critical component of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow married couples to apply the student loan interest deduction limitation separately to each spouse, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

This bill revises the tax deduction for interest on education loans to provide that the $2,500 limitation on such deduction shall apply separately to each taxpayer claiming the deduction.

VET Extension Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2020

Veterans Education and Transfer Extension Act of 2019 or the VET Extension Act of 2019 This bill updates Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance for certain veterans or active duty military service members. Specifically, the bill increases the number of months of educational assistance available by the lesser of (1) 15 months, or (2) the amount of months needed to complete remedial and deficiency courses that may be needed prior to beginning a program of education. Under the bill, individuals who do not currently have a dependent, but wish to elect to transfer educational assistance to a dependent, may do so at such a time when they do have a dependent. The bill removes a restriction on the timing of the transfer of educational assistance and also authorizes an individual to designate a new dependent or dependents to receive an unused entitlement.

Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020

Native Act to Transform Imagery in Various Environments This bill establishes grants and a committee within the Department of Education (ED) to assist schools with discontinuing the use of derogatory or discriminatory names or depictions as team names, mascots, or nicknames. Specifically, the bill authorizes ED to make (1) grants to elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools to assist them in discontinuing the use of names or depictions that are derogatory or discriminatory; and (2) subsequent grants to schools to discontinue objectionable names or depictions and to Indian schools for construction or renovation. Additionally, ED must establish a committee on Indian relations to (1) determine which names and depictions are derogatory or discriminatory, (2) identify schools that use derogatory or discriminatory names or descriptions and inform them of the availability of assistance in discontinuing their use, (3) assist ED in awarding grants, and (4) provide cultural proficiency training at grantee schools. The bill lists Indians , Redskins , Braves , and Chiefs as derogatory or discriminatory names or depictions.

Recognizing that international education and exchange programs further national security and foreign policy priorities, enhance economic competitiveness, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020

This resolution recognizes the importance of, and encourages, international education and exchange programs.

ACCESS to Careers Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2020

Assisting Community Colleges in Educating Skilled Students to Careers Act of 2020 or the ACCESS to Careers Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive grants to community and technical colleges and to states for education and career training programs and related activities. Specifically, the bill requires ED to award grants to community and technical colleges and consortia of such colleges to (1) carry out student support services, such as child care, transportation, direct financial assistance, and case management services; and (2) carry out certain program activities, such as developing programs that accelerate learning, expand career pathways to postsecondary credentials, or expand dual or concurrent enrollment programs. Additionally, ED must award grants to states to establish statewide systemic reforms that support education and career training programs. States receiving such grants must (1) use such funds to implement statewide policies, such as policies to support the expansion of education and career training programs for in-demand industry sectors or occupations, and (2) provide subgrants to community college partnerships to carry out program activities and student support services. Grant recipients must submit an annual report to ED. Further, ED must (1) contract with an independent third party to perform an evaluation of the grants awarded under the bill, (2) provide technical assistance, and (3) submit an annual report to Congress.

Family Leave for Parental Involvement in Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2020

Family Leave for Parental Involvement in Education Act This bill provides eligible employees to up to 48 hours of additional annual family and medical leave to attend activities related to a school or community organization attended by an employee's child or grandchild. Employees may use not more than 8 hours of such leave per 30-day period and must notify employers in advance of using such leave. This leave also is available to federal employees. Additionally, employers generally may require employees to substitute accrued vacation, personal, family, medical, or sick leave for leave available under this bill.

The National Service GI Bill Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2020

The National Service GI Bill Act This bill requires in-state tuition for certain volunteers, revises the requirements to receive certain national service grants, and revises AmeriCorps educational awards. It also requires certain grant programs to educate students about the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, states must charge in-state tuition rates for institutions of higher education to volunteers who have served in a national service position (i.e., AmeriCorps) for one year, as well as for their spouses and children. Additionally, states and subdivisions must submit a plan to the Corporation for National and Community Service to receive certain grants. Such a plan must (1) ensure that students are notified of and encouraged to commit to a term of service in the military, a national service program, or a public service job; (2) ensure that students are provided information about these options; and (3) include assurances that it will request each high school student to indicate a preference for a program and to register their intent to serve in the program. It revises AmeriCorps educational awards by (1) increasing the amount of such awards, and (2) modifying the requirements for calculating taxable income to exclude from gross income such awards. Further, AmeriCorps volunteers are eligible for appointment in the competitive service. (Currently, Peace Corps volunteers are eligible for such an appointment.) Finally, national activities supported by American History and Civics Education grants must include programs that educate students about the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.

USA Civics Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2020

Understanding and Studying American Civics Act of 2020 or the USA Civics Act of 2020 This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and revises the American History for Freedom grant program. The bill renames the program as the American Civics Education Program. The bill authorizes the Department of Education to award grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) once every three years to establish or strengthen academic programs to promote American political thought and history; the history, achievements, and impact of American representative democracy and constitutional democracies globally; and the means of participation in political and civic life. Currently, such grants are awarded to IHEs for three years and are focused on traditional American history and the history and achievements of Western civilization. IHEs may use grants to support additional activities, such as collaborating with federal or state humanities programs and using open educational resources.