assist students in obtaining internships or apprenticeships,
develop STEM coursework curricula and metrics,
carry out dual-credit courses,
provide tutoring and mentoring,
enable students and teachers to attend STEM events outside of the classroom,
provide after-school and summer STEM programs, and
purchase educational materials or equipment to facilitate STEM instruction.
In awarding grants under the program, ED shall give special consideration to applicants that:
promote in-classroom engagement between STEM professionals and students;
use technology-based materials and content;
pair mentors and tutors with students struggling to meet curriculum benchmarks;
in the case of LEA applicants, serve schools in which most students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch; and
propose to use grant funds to target interventions for populations that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields.
Each grantee shall provide matching funds equal to 50% of the grant amount.