WASHINGTON (October 21, 2025) — The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today issued the following statement in support of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s passage of the bipartisan National STEM Week Act (S. 1070), led by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN):
The American Chemistry Council commends Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Senators Ernst and Klobuchar for their leadership in introducing the National STEM Week Act. This important legislation recognizes the critical role that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play in driving innovation, strengthening our economy, and preparing the next generation of problem-solvers.
The National STEM Week Act calls on the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM) to designate one week each year as “National STEM Week,” encouraging schools, families, and industry leaders to engage students in hands-on STEM learning opportunities. National STEM Week would highlight the value of STEM education, and support collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders to provide mentorship opportunities and promote understanding of career pathways in STEM fields.
STEM careers are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying in the U.S. economy, and the chemical industry is at the heart of that growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow by 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, more than double the rate of non-STEM jobs, with a median annual wage of over $103,000. From advanced materials to sustainable manufacturing, the chemical industry depends on a highly skilled workforce. National STEM Week will help spark interest in these careers and build the talent pipeline needed to keep the American chemical industry competitive.
ACC and its members are committed to advancing STEM education through initiatives such as the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), a chemical industry led program, which provides scholarships, internships, and professional development to students pursuing STEM degrees. The National STEM Week Act aligns with these efforts and reinforces the importance of public-private collaboration in building a strong and capable workforce.
