20 U.S.C. § 3916 — Other functional activities

(a) The Foundation^* may spend up to 15 percent of the funds available for science and engineering education on applications that the Foundation determines will meet one or more of the “functional objectives” described in section 3912(b) of this title. This section does not define “functional objectives.” (b) Those programs may include a program for exchanging mathematics, science, or engineering faculty between institutions of higher education, particularly institutions with nationally recognized research facilities, and eligible institutions. For this section, an “eligible institution” means an institution of higher education^* that— (1) has an enrollment that includes a substantial percentage of students who are members of a minority group or who are economically or educationally disadvantaged; or (2) is located in a community that is not within commuting distance of a major institution of higher education; and (3) demonstrates a commitment to meet the special educational needs of students who are members of a minority group or are economically or educationally disadvantaged.