Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025

S 1534 establishes a National Science Foundation grant program to increase participation of women, underrepresented minorities (including Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian subgroups, LGBTQ+ individuals), and people with disabilities in STEM fields. It authorizes $15 million annually (2026-2030) for competitive grants to fund specific activities like mentoring programs, internships, online workshops, K-12 outreach, and faculty recruitment. The program directly affects eligible educational institutions and organizations seeking to address documented disparities in STEM degree completion and workforce retention. Key provisions require grantees to target underrepresented groups identified through NSF data showing persistent gaps in enrollment, graduation, and career retention. The bill focuses on actionable support mechanisms rather than legislative changes.