INSPIRES Act

The INSPIRES Act creates a federal grant program to fund the renovation and modernization of school facilities for STEM education. It specifically targets schools in rural areas, on tribal lands, or serving Native American students, requiring states to reserve at least 10% of funds for these schools. States would receive allotments based on eligible school counts and must provide 25% matching funds, while local agencies must provide 10% matching funds for subgrants. The grants support improvements like updated labs, technology infrastructure, and energy efficiency to create better learning environments for hands-on STEM education. This program aims to address the shortage of STEM workers by improving educational opportunities in underserved communities.