NSF REU Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 27, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to strengthen and broaden access to undergraduate STEM research opportunities, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds and institutions, through reauthorization and increased funding for the NSF REU program.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes and significantly modifies the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, expanding its scope to promote participation from underrepresented groups and institutions. It mandates that at least half of summer REU participants be recruited from institutions with limited research opportunities and authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032. The bill also adds new definitions for terms like "emerging research institution" and "first-generation college student" to the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the NSF REU program is crucial for developing the next generation of STEM professionals by providing invaluable hands-on research experience. They contend that this reauthorization, with its enhanced focus on diversity and inclusion, will address disparities in STEM participation and ensure a robust and innovative scientific workforce for the future, particularly by reaching students from institutions with limited research opportunities.
Opponents contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against programs that support STEM education and research opportunities for undergraduates, especially those focused on broadening participation. Potential general concerns might revolve around the overall federal budget or the effectiveness of specific program mechanisms, but the bill itself is likely to enjoy broad support.
The bill is concise and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for stakeholders to evaluate its provisions.
Section 2(3), amending Section 514(a)(1) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
Reauthorization of NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program
This provision re-establishes the NSF's program to award grants for undergraduate research experiences across a wide range of STEM disciplines. It explicitly states a goal of promoting participation from individuals with limited or no prior STEM research experience and those identified in the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act, which typically refers to women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this reauthorization is essential to continue a highly successful program that provides foundational research experiences, crucial for students pursuing STEM careers and for maintaining U.S. leadership in science and technology.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the core reauthorization of a successful STEM education program.
Tradeoffs
Balancing the broad goal of STEM workforce development with targeted efforts to address specific participation gaps.
Section 2(3), amending Section 514(a)(2) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
Enhanced Recruitment and Support Requirements for REU Sites
This section mandates that at least half of the students participating at each summer-based REU site must be recruited from institutions of higher education where research opportunities in STEM are limited, including emerging research institutions, minority-serving institutions, and junior or community colleges. It also requires proposals to describe how students will have mentors and resources connecting research to professional goals, how mentors and students will receive appropriate salaries/stipends, and how student participants will be tracked for employment and continued matriculation in STEM for at least three years thereafter.
Section 2(3), amending Section 514(a)(3) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
Broadening Participation and Institutional Diversity in Grant Awards
This provision allows the NSF Director to consider additional factors when making awards, including the extent to which the applicant will support students from diverse backgrounds (such as first-generation college students), support students early in their college experiences, utilize consortia or inter-institutional collaborations, represent a wide range of STEM disciplines, and demonstrate geographic and institutional diversity.
Section 2(3), amending Section 514(a)(4) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
Expanded Allowable Uses of REU Grant Funds
This section specifies various allowable uses for REU grant funds, including support for REU site coordination and program management, student travel, housing, and accessibility accommodations. It also permits funds to be used for students to present research at academic conferences, engage with external stakeholders (academic, public, and private sectors), support program evaluation and data collection, and provide student professional development (including training in responsible and ethical conduct of research, mentor selection and preparation, graduate school preparation, and communication of behavioral expectations to ensure a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environment).
Section 2(3), amending Section 514(a)(13) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
Funding Authorization for the REU Program
This provision authorizes $100,000,000 to be appropriated to the Director of the National Science Foundation for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
Defines "emerging research institution" by reference to section 10002 of the Research, Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18901). This definition is crucial for determining which institutions qualify for the targeted recruitment efforts in the REU program.
Section 2(2)(B), inserting new paragraph (2) in Section 502
Why it matters:Standard legislative practice to define terms by reference to avoid redundancy and maintain consistency across statutes.
Case for: Proponents argue that using existing definitions ensures consistency across federal programs and leverages established criteria for identifying institutions that need support.
Case against: Critics might argue that relying on external definitions can make a bill harder to read and understand without consulting multiple statutes, potentially obscuring the full scope of who is targeted.
Estimated impact: Significant, as it directly shapes the eligibility and focus of recruitment efforts for a large portion of REU participants.
Defines "minority-serving institution" by enumerating various types of institutions (Hispanic-serving, Alaska Native-serving, Native Hawaiian-serving, historically Black colleges or universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, Predominantly Black, Asian American and Native American-serving) and referencing their definitions in the Higher Education Act of 1965. This broad definition is critical for the bill's diversity goals.
Section 2(2)(D), inserting new paragraph (9) in Section 502
Why it matters:Standard legislative practice to use established definitions from other acts (like the Higher Education Act) for consistency and to avoid re-litigating complex institutional classifications.
Case for: Proponents argue that this comprehensive definition ensures all recognized categories of minority-serving institutions are included in the bill's efforts to broaden participation, aligning with broader federal equity goals.
Case against: Similar to other cross-referenced definitions, the complexity of referencing multiple sections of the Higher Education Act can make the full scope of the definition less immediately apparent to a casual reader.
Estimated impact: Substantial, as it directly informs the recruitment strategies and institutional partnerships for REU sites, aiming to significantly increase participation from students at these institutions.