On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, the House is scheduled to consider H.Res. 77, the Academic Competition Act, under a suspension of the rules. The bill was introduced by Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) and referred to the Committee on House Administration.

H.Res. 77 establishes an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) which shall be held each year among students in each Congressional district.  Students will submit entries (e.g., a smartphone application) to their Representative, who will then determine the winner for their district, similar to the process of the Congressional Art Competition.

According to the Committee on House Administration, less than one-third of eighth graders are proficient in science and mathematics.  H.Res. 77 creates an academic competition which aims to promote student interest and participation in the fields of STEM, areas in which the United States is currently falling behind.

There is no cost estimate currently available.