10 U.S.C. § 2192 — Improvement of education in technical fields: general authority regarding education in science, mathematics, and engineering

(a) On a continuing basis, the Secretary of Defense, consulting the Secretary of Education, must identify actions the Department may take to improve education in the science, mathematics, and engineering skills needed for the United States' long-term national-defense needs. The Secretary must establish and conduct programs to carry out those actions. (b)(1) To support educational programs in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology under this chapter or another law, unless that law says otherwise, the Secretary may enter contracts and cooperative agreements with eligible entities; make financial-assistance grants to eligible entities; give eligible entities cash awards and other items; accept their voluntary services; and support national competition judging, other educational events, and related award ceremonies. (b)(2) The Secretary may exercise those authorities through the military-department Secretaries. (b)(3) “Eligible entity” includes a Federal department or agency, a State, a State political subdivision, an individual, and a not-for-profit or other private-sector organization. “State” means a United States State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, or another United States territory or possession. (c) The Secretary must designate someone in the Office of the Secretary of Defense to advise and assist on science, mathematics, and engineering education and training.