Through the work of Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), the U.S. Senate bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now includes support for STEAM!

Coming off the heels of the 29th Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy with executive, technologist, and designer John Maeda and his lecture titled "STEAM Makes STEM Taste Better," the excitement around STEAM -- and its proven results -- continues to build.

On March 16, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved reauthorization legislation for the FAA, S. 2658. To better ensure the FAA has the skilled pilots it demands, the legislation now includes a requirement that the FAA provide to Congress a student outreach report, designed to increase the number of students pursuing aeronautical careers. Specifically, the report must describe FAA outreach efforts to elementary and secondary students who are interested “in careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.” The purpose is twofold: “(1) to prepare and inspire such students for aeronautical careers; and (2) to mitigate an anticipated shortage of pilots and other aviation professionals.”

This Daines amendment passed on a voice vote and is now part of the underlying legislation, as Congress continues its work to reauthorize the FAA.

Read more about the Senate action here.