Congresswoman Introduces First Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) along with Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4), and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) introduced her first bill, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Professional Readiness Education Preparation Act or STEM PREP Act, H.R. 922. The legislation would create a competitive grant program to fund career and technical education training within the STEM field.
"The importance of STEM education has never been more important than it is in today's economy," said Congresswoman Adams. "STEM jobs are growing rapidly, and too often employers tell me they have jobs but no skilled employees to fill them. The STEM PREP Act would fill this gap and create a pipeline of skilled employees to meet employer needs," Adams continued.
"This bill will lead hardworking men and women to high-skill and high-wage jobs that provide financial stability," said Adams. "In the 12th District, workers in the STEM field can make between $16,000-$26,000 more than non-STEM workers with the same level of education."
The STEM PREP Act creates a competitive grant program in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act that directs federal funding to career and technical education programs focused on training workers to enter the STEM field.
The STEM PREP Act also prioritizes the inclusion of fine arts into technical STEM education, which supports greater critical thinking and problem solving skills.
"Employers are now more than ever looking for employees who not only have the technical skills, but possess the creativity necessary to think outside of the box and solve real world problems," said Adams. "Workforce training and job creation are two of my top priorities, and I am proud that my first piece of legislation reflects those goals."
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