Skilled technical workforce education outreach

(a) In general The Administrator may conduct or support STEM engagement activities that focus on expanding opportunities for students to pursue skilled technical workforce occupations in space and aeronautics. (b) Leveraging existing programs The Administrator, in conducting activities pursuant to subsection (a), shall leverage, as appropriate, existing programs of NASA and may consider leveraging other Federal programs and interagency initiatives, such as the Manufacturing USA program under section 34 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278s). (c) Inclusion Activities under subsection (a) may include outreach activities that— (1) engage secondary and post-secondary students, including students at institutions of higher education, 2-year colleges, and high schools and students in vocational or career and technical education programs; (2) expose students to careers that require career and technical education; (3) encourage students to pursue careers that require career and technical education; and (4) provide students hands-on learning opportunities to view the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of NASA-funded space and aeronautical systems, as the Administrator considers appropriate and with consideration of relevant factors such as workplace safety, mission needs, and the protection of sensitive and proprietary technologies. (d) Briefing Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress with a briefing on NASA’s activities, and any planned activities, conducted under this section. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (2) Skilled technical workforce The term skilled technical workforce has the meaning given the term in section 4(b)(3) of the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act (Public Law 115–402; 42 U.S.C. 1862p note).