INSPIRES Act

Key Points

• The INSPIRES Act would create two new grant programs to help schools fix up or build new spaces for science, technology, engineering, and math. One program focuses on middle and high schools in rural areas or those serving Native American students.
• The bill also sets aside money to improve career and technical education buildings. This includes fixing old equipment, making buildings more energy efficient, and installing high speed internet to help students learn modern job skills.
• Schatz and Padilla proposed this plan because many school buildings are nearly 50 years old and lack the technology needed for today's jobs. STEM workers often earn much higher pay, but many students in remote areas do not have the right classrooms to learn these skills.
• To get the federal money, states would have to pay for 25 percent of the project costs themselves. Local school districts would also have to cover 10 percent of the costs, though the government can waive these rules for states that cannot afford it.
• The plan calls for spending at least $50 million every year starting in 2027. The goal is to make sure students in every part of the country have a safe and modern place to prepare for careers in fields like healthcare and renewable energy.

Impact Analysis

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