YourVoice.Now Summary
Federal grants would build science labs and fast internet at rural and Native-serving middle and high schools.
The details
Rural public schools for grades 6 to 12 could get federal money for new science and tech rooms. So could schools that serve Native American students. The money could pay to fix up or build science labs and classrooms. It could also buy lab equipment or bring fast internet into those rooms. In states that have them, schools on or near tribal land or serving Native students would get at least 10% of the state's share. A second program would help fix up buildings used for job-training and career classes. Schools, community colleges, tribes, and some colleges that serve minority students could apply. The Education Department could give grants, back their loans, or pay interest on their bonds for repairs. That money could not pay for new buildings or routine upkeep. The bill asks Congress to spend at least $25 million a year on each program, starting in 2027. No money flows until Congress votes to fund it. States would add 25% of their share from their own funds, unless excused. Local school districts would add 10%. Groups that team up with a business or nonprofit would get first pick.
Congressional Summary
Inspiring New STEM Professionals by Investing in Renovation of Education Spaces Act or the INSPIRES Act This bill directs the Department of Education to establish grant programs (1) for the modernization, renovation, or repair of career- and technical-education facilities; and (2) to enable secondary schools that are located in rural areas or that serve Native American students to improve facilities that provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to support high-speed internet in STEM facilities.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-08-06
- Date Added
- 2026-10-02
- Source
- Congress.gov →
Like reading a bill in plain English?
We're building an app that does this for every bill in Congress and lets you tell your reps how you want them to vote. We're a small team getting ready to launch, and we're trying to show investors that real people want this. Be one of them. Help us get it built. Leave your email and we'll tell you the moment the app is ready.