On Monday, July 14, 2025, Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen, alongside Reps. Luz Rivas, Terri Sewell, Cleo Fields, Shri Thanedar, Summer Lee, and Sarah McBride introduced the STEM Pathways for the Future Act. This bill is aimed at growing the future STEM workforce, by funding hands-on training programs outside of traditional four-year colleges.
The legislation directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a new grant program that supports STEM apprenticeship programs. Funding will be prioritized for programs based at community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and registered apprenticeship programs. The grants can be used for recruiting participants, implementing programs, adopting new technologies, and building partnerships with local businesses and industries.
“At a time when the Trump Administration is threatening the future of our scientific workforce and agencies like the NSF, we must take bold action to invest in the next generation of talent. This bill is about building opportunities for real people in real communities,” said Congressman Sorensen. “Not everyone needs a four-year degree to thrive in science, tech, and innovation. Our community colleges are ready to lead, and this bill gives them the support they need to help people launch meaningful careers.”
The bill would also create a first-of-its-kind regional STEM apprenticeship hub, to connect training programs with local employers and growing industries. An interagency task force will also be formed to report to Congress on how Federal agencies are supporting career development in STEM, outside of four-year degrees.