McClellan, Tonko Introduce Legislation to Improve STEM Mentorship
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) introduced H.R. 9134, the Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act, to strengthen mentorship opportunities in higher education science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs.
Academic advisors have outsized impacts on the professional development and trajectory of their mentees; however, they do not typically receive mentorship training. This can jeopardize academic success, as STEM students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, cite positive mentoring relationships as the most important factor in completing a degree.
“American innovation and global leadership relies on a highly qualified, diverse STEM workforce,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “As a member of the House Science Committee, I will continue working to build and diversify the STEM workforce to support our nation’s continued advancement. The Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act takes important steps to strengthen STEM mentorship programs and ensure students from all backgrounds have the resources and support they need to thrive. I thank Congressman Tonko for his partnership in this legislation, as we work to expand opportunities for the next generation of scientific leaders.”
"The Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act ensures federal science funding not only advances cutting-edge research but also supports the next generation of STEM leaders through effective mentorship and inclusive workplaces,” said Congressman Tonko. “By equipping research advisors with resources to enhance mentorship practices, we foster individual growth and strengthen our nation's capacity for innovation. This bill is a critical step toward cultivating a diverse STEM workforce that reflects and serves all Americans, securing our continued leadership in the global scientific community."
The Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act would:
- Create a demonstration program to support projects that improve mentorship practices and provide resources for graduate researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty, with special consideration for institutions that serve underrepresented populations.
- Assess the effectiveness of the demonstration program on increasing the quality of mentorship in STEM education and report these findings to Congress
- Require institutions of higher education that receive NSF funding to disseminate information on existing institutional and agency reporting processes for any professional misconduct, including discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
H.R. 9134 is endorsed by the Association for Women in Science, Council of Graduate Schools, Framework for Accountability in Academic Research and Mentoring Project, MIT Graduate Student Council, National Association of Graduate-Professional Studies, and the National Postdoc Association.
AWIS is pleased to support the Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act because it provides a strong framework and resources for institutions of higher education to enhance their mentoring programs,” said Meredith Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Association for Women in Science. “Effective mentoring requires a specific set of skills that must be developed and measured to ensure all mentees receive adequate support for their educational and professional journeys. I look forward to the time when strong mentoring skills are ubiquitous and helping to advance the entire STEM workforce.”
“Mentorship is crucial to the success of students completing their STEM graduate degree, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students,” said Suzanne Ortega, President of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). “This bill will help faculty and program directors create positive mentorship environments, support evidence-based mentoring practice and help faculty and students understand mentorship expectations. Strengthening mentorship in graduate education will ensure a strong STEM pipeline that is career-ready for state and national workforce needs.”
“We applaud Congresswoman McClellan’s focus on improving mentorship and preventing abuse in graduate education. Research mentors are responsible for overseeing these students as they work through their degrees and for preparing them for successful scientific careers,” said Kaylynne Glover, Co-Founder and Communications Director, The Framework for Accountability in Academic Research and Mentoring Project. “This is an essential workforce and talent pool for American technology development and national security, and ensuring their mentors are engaged in ethical and evidence-based practices can go far in addressing the systemic workplace issues that have resulted in only half of doctoral students graduating and usually only after 6-8 years.”
"For students today, there are so many exciting opportunities to make a difference in research and the STEM field more broadly. However, navigating these complex fields can be a challenging process,” said Sean Schrader, President, National Association of Graduate-Professional Students. “The Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act will place critical investment in programs which will allow for well-established leaders in these fields to support the next generation of leaders."
"Effective mentoring is a critical component of the postdoctoral experience and this important bill will benefit postdocs by exploring novel and improved mentoring practices and resources,” said Tom Kimbis, Executive Director, National Postdoctoral Association.
“Improving Mentorship in STEM Higher Education Act is a critical step in combating misconduct and envisioning the future of STEM graduate education. America needs good mentors for a better-trained STEM workforce to accelerate scientific innovations and empower our economy," said Shiwei Wang, External Affairs Chair, MIT Graduate Student Council.