SPARK Act

Schools Preventing Hunger in At-Risk Kids Act or the SPARK Act

This bill expands automatic eligibility for free school lunches and breakfasts to include children who have been placed in kinship care with a relative or family friend with the involvement of the state child welfare agency. To enroll in the program, a family must document the child's status to the appropriate local educational agency.

The SPARK Act, also known as Bill 117 HR 5177, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and workforce development. The bill seeks to increase access to STEM education for students from underrepresented communities, including women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

One of the key provisions of the SPARK Act is the establishment of a grant program to support STEM education initiatives at the K-12 level. These grants would be awarded to schools and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to increasing diversity in STEM fields and providing high-quality STEM education to all students.

Additionally, the SPARK Act includes provisions to support professional development for STEM educators, expand access to STEM resources and technology, and promote partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations to enhance STEM education opportunities. Overall, the SPARK Act aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in STEM fields by ensuring that all students have access to high-quality STEM education and are prepared to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.