Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act

Better Mentorship Resources: Under section 2(a), adding section 10313(a)(6)(A), the Director may make awards to improve mentorship practices and provide resources for faculty, graduate researchers, and postdoctoral researchers. This helps build mentoring skills, promote evidence-based mentorship, research methodologies, train in cultural competencies, and fund outreach.

Special Consideration for Diverse Schools: Under section 2(a), adding section 10313(a)(6)(C), special consideration for awards is given to minority-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, rural-serving institutions, emerging research institutions, and consortia including them. This ensures these specific groups and schools have a fair shot at funding.

Accountability Through Reporting: Under section 2(a), adding section 10313(a)(6)(D), the Director must submit a report within 5 years assessing the program's effectiveness and outlining a plan to sustain it if it works. This holds officials accountable by requiring them to measure and report back on whether the taxpayer-funded program actually works.

Misconduct Protections: Under section 2(b), the bill adds institutional and agency reporting processes with respect to harassment, discrimination, and other forms of professional or scientific misconduct to the America COMPETES Act. This explicitly addresses professional misconduct to help protect individuals in these environments.