42 U.S.C. § 19173 — Opportunities for online education

(a) In general: The Director must make competitive awards to colleges or nonprofits (or a consortium of them, which may include a private-sector partner) to research online STEM education courses for rural communities. (b) Research areas: Eligible research areas include: (1) evaluating rural PreK–12 students' learning and achievement in STEM subjects; (2) understanding how computer-based and online professional development courses and mentor experiences can meet the needs of rural educators, principals, and school leaders; (3) combining computer-based and online STEM education and training with mentoring and other applied learning arrangements; (4) using online programs to supplement STEM studies for rural students who need physical and academic accommodation; and (5) any other activity the Director determines will accomplish these goals. (c) Evaluations: Every proposal for an award under this section must include an evaluation plan using outcome-oriented measures, and each recipient must include results from those evaluations in annual and final project reports. (d) Accountability and dissemination: (1) Evaluation required — The Director must evaluate the portfolio of awards made under this section, using a common set of benchmarks and tools, and, to the extent practicable, integrate findings on pursuing STEM careers and degrees with other research on serving rural students and communities. (2) Report on evaluations — Not later than 180 days after that evaluation is complete, the Director must submit to Congress, and make widely available to the public, a report including the results and recommendations for administrative and legislative action. (e) Coordination: The Director must consult, cooperate, and coordinate with other relevant federal agencies to enhance program effectiveness and avoid duplication.