U.S. Rep Bill Foster promoting STEM education bill

Congressman Bill Foster is hosting a discussion in his northern Illinois district that is designed to promote legislation aimed at helping prepare students for careers in high-demand technical fields.

The Democrat and other lawmakers introduced the measure last week in the U.S. House.

The discussion will take place Wednesday at Aurora University, where Foster will be joined by Aurora’s mayor and the university’s president.

The legislation is called the 21st Century STEM Competitive Jobs Act. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The bill would provide grants to school districts that connect students and their coursework with future employers. Programs eligible for grants must include an internship and allow students to earn both high school and college credit.