§1862p–7 Stem Industry Internship Programs

Summary

Grants may be awarded to colleges or groups of colleges, through a competitive, merit-based process, to build or grow partnerships with local or regional private companies (and industry groups) so students can do internships that tie directly to their STEM classes. These grants can include internships in manufacturing. Money can be used to create hands-on learning, industry-focused courses and materials, outreach to high schools, mentorships with partner organizations, and activities that show career options and needed skills. Priority goes to schools that show strong local business outreach and work with Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology. The Foundation must reach out to rural schools and companies to join. Partnerships must provide a 50 percent non-Federal cost-share. Federal funds cannot pay student stipends for private internships unless the private partner provides 75 percent of that stipend money. Federal funds also cannot be paid to private companies, except payments to colleges. Not less than 3 years after January 4, 2011, the Director must report to Congress on the number and value of awards, the number of students helped, any effects on job training and placement, and the students’ economic and ethnic breakdown.