Education assistance

(a) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) promoting basic education in the Pacific Islands, particularly in traditionally underserved communities, advances United States foreign policy goals and requires a whole of government approach, and the United States Government currently dedicates insufficient resources and attention to assisting with education needs in the region; (2) the Peace Corps alone is insufficient to achieve United States objectives of promoting sustainable, quality basic education; and (3) countries of the Pacific Islands meet the requirements outlined in subsection (c)(4) of section 105 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151c). (b) Education assistance The President is authorized to provide assistance under section 105 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151c) to promote sustainable, quality basic education in the Pacific Islands, including for the following purposes: (1) Supporting national nutrition and health programs. (2) Working with partner governments to reform policies, improve curricula, strengthen data systems, train teachers, and provide quality learning materials. (3) Building new schools and renovating older facilities to ensure safe places for learning. (4) Providing individuals, particularly at-risk youth, with relevant education, training, and skills for meaningful employment. (5) Removing barriers to entering formal education for out-of-school individuals, assisting in keeping them in school, and providing an opportunity to catch up on schooling for those left behind. (6) Promoting teaching and research exchanges between the Pacific Islands and United States institutions of higher education, including community colleges.