STEM RESTART Act

The STEM RESTART Act creates a federal grant program to help mid-career workers, particularly women and people from underrepresented racial groups, return to STEM careers. It provides funding for small and medium-sized businesses to establish "returnship" programs that offer above-entry-level positions with full benefits for 10 weeks or more. The program requires grantees to track participants' demographics and employment outcomes, with $50 million authorized annually from 2024-2028. These returnships must provide compensation equivalent to full-time employees with similar experience, including benefits like health care and child care. The bill targets workers who left the workforce but want to return, especially those from rural areas or underrepresented populations.