(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Eligible entity
The term “eligible entity” includes a department or agency of the Federal Government, a State, a political subdivision of a State, an individual, and a not-for-profit or other organization in the private sector.
(2) Educational institution
The term “educational institution” includes any public or private elementary school or secondary school, institution of higher education, college, university, or any other profit or nonprofit institution that is dedicated to improving science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics, business, law, medicine, or other fields that promote development and education relating to science, technology, engineering, the arts, or mathematics.
(c) Authorities
(1) In generalThe Director, in support of educational programs in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics, may—
(D)
support national competition judging, other educational event activities, and associated award ceremonies in connection with such educational programs; and
(E)
enter into one or more education partnership agreements with educational institutions in the United States for the purpose of encouraging and enhancing study in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics disciplines at all levels of education.
(2) Education partnership agreements
(A) Nature of assistance providedUnder an education partnership agreement entered into with an educational institution under paragraph (1)(E), the Director may provide assistance to the educational institution by—
(i)
loaning equipment to the educational institution for any purpose and duration in support of such agreement that the Director considers appropriate;
(ii)
making personnel available to teach science courses or to assist in the development of science courses and materials for the educational institution;
(iv)
involving faculty and students of the educational institution in Agency projects, including research and technology transfer or transition projects;
(v)
cooperating with the educational institution in developing a program under which students may be given academic credit for work on Agency projects, including research and technology transfer for transition projects; and
(vi)
providing academic and career advice and assistance to students of the educational institution.
(B) PrioritiesIn entering into education partnership agreements under paragraph (1)(E), the Director shall prioritize entering into education partnership agreements with the following:
(i)
Historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions, as described in section 1067q(a) of title 20.
(ii)
Educational institutions serving women, members of minority groups, and other groups of individuals who traditionally are involved in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics professions in disproportionately low numbers.
(June 20, 1949, ch. 227, § 25, as added Pub. L. 116–260, div. W, title V, § 501, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2380.)