§7381j. Experiential-based learning opportunities
(a) Internships authorized
(1) In general
From the amounts authorized under subsection (f), the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall establish a summer internship program for middle school and secondary school students that shall-
(A) provide the students with internships at the National Laboratories;
(B) promote experiential, hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and
(C) be of at least 2 weeks in duration.
(2) Residential services
The Director may provide residential services to students participating in the internship program authorized under paragraph (1).
(b) Selection criteria
(1) In general
The Director shall establish criteria to determine the sufficient level of academic preparedness necessary for a student to be eligible for an internship under this section.
(2) Participation
The Director shall ensure the participation of students from a wide distribution of States, including States without National Laboratories.
(3) Student achievement
The Director may consider the academic achievement of middle and secondary school students in determining eligibility under this section, in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2).
(c) Priority
(1) In general
The Director shall give priority for an internship under this section to a student who meets the eligibility criteria described in subsection (b) and who attends a school-
(A)(i) in which not less than 30 percent of the children enrolled in the school are from low-income families; or
(ii) that is designated with a school locale code of 41, 42, or 43, as determined by the Secretary of Education; and
(B) for which there is-
(i) a high percentage of teachers who are not teaching in the academic subject areas or grade levels in which the teachers were trained to teach;
(ii) a high teacher turnover rate; or
(iii) a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licenses.
(2) Coordination
The Director shall consult with the Secretary of Education in order to determine whether a student meets the priority requirements of this subsection.
(d) Outreach and experiential-based programs for minority students
(1) In general
The Secretary, acting through the Director, in cooperation with Hispanic-serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native- and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions and nonprofit entities with substantial experience relating to outreach and experiential-based learning projects, shall establish outreach and experiential-based learning programs that will encourage underrepresented minority students in kindergarten through grade 12 to pursue careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.
(2) Community involvement
The Secretary shall ensure that the programs established under paragraph (1) involve, to the maximum extent practicable-
(A) participation by parents and educators; and
(B) the establishment of partnerships with business organizations and appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies.
(3) Distribution
The Secretary shall ensure that the programs established under paragraph (1) are located in diverse geographic regions of the United States, to the maximum extent practicable.
(e) Evaluation and accountability plan
The Director shall develop an evaluation and accountability plan for the activities funded under this subpart that objectively measures the impact of the activities.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010.
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