Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2024

HR 7790, the Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2024, authorizes $15 million annually (2024-2028) through the National Science Foundation to fund grants for programs increasing participation of women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (including Black, Hispanic, Native American, and specific Asian subgroups), LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities in STEM fields. The grants support concrete activities like mentoring programs, STEM internships, K-12 outreach, and faculty recruitment initiatives designed to address documented disparities in STEM degree completion and career retention. The bill directly affects eligible institutions (e.g., universities, nonprofits) that apply for competitive funding to implement these targeted programs. It focuses on measurable policy changes through federal funding for evidence-based retention strategies, not on outcome predictions.