§ 16323. Science and engineering education pilot program

• (a) The Secretary shall award a grant to a Southeastern United States consortium of major research universities that currently advances science and education by partnering with National Laboratories, to establish a regional pilot program of its SEEK–16 program for enhancing scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical literacy, creativity, and decision-making. The consortium shall include leading research universities, one or more universities that train substantial numbers of elementary and secondary school teachers, and (where appropriate) National Laboratories.
• (b) The regional pilot program shall include—
  • (1) expanding strategic, formal partnerships among universities with strength in research, universities that train substantial numbers of elementary and secondary school teachers, and the private sector;
  • (2) combining Department expertise with one or more National Aeronautics and Space Administration Educator Resource Centers;
  • (3) developing programs to permit current and future teachers to participate in ongoing research projects at National Laboratories and research universities and to adapt lessons learned to the classroom;
  • (4) designing and implementing course work;
  • (5) designing and implementing a strategy for measuring and assessing progress under the program; and
  • (6) developing models for transferring knowledge gained under the pilot program to other institutions and areas of the United States.
• (c) A grant under this section shall be considered an authorized activity under section 7381b of this title .