The Director shall carry out a program to award grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia of such institutions or organizations) to establish mathematics and science education partnership programs to improve elementary and secondary mathematics and science instruction.

Grants shall be awarded under this subsection on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.

In order to be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an institution of higher education or eligible nonprofit organization (or consortium of such institutions or organizations) shall enter into a partnership with one or more local educational agencies that may also include the department, college, or program of education at an institution of higher education, a State educational agency, or one or more businesses.

A participating institution of higher education shall include mathematics, science, or engineering departments in the programs carried out through a partnership under this paragraph.

recruiting and preparing students for careers in elementary or secondary mathematics or science education;

offering innovative preservice and inservice programs that instruct teachers on using technology and laboratory experiences more effectively in teaching mathematics and science, including programs that recruit and train undergraduate and graduate students to provide technical and laboratory support to teachers;

developing distance learning programs for teachers or students, including developing courses, curricular materials, and other resources for the in-service professional development of teachers that are made available to teachers through the Internet;

developing a cadre of master teachers who will promote reform and improvement in schools;

offering teacher preparation and certification programs for professional mathematicians, scientists, and engineers who wish to begin a career in teaching;

developing tools to evaluate activities conducted under this subsection;

developing or adapting elementary school and secondary school mathematics and science curricular materials that incorporate contemporary research on the science of learning;

developing initiatives to increase and sustain the number, quality, and diversity of prekindergarten through grade 12 teachers of mathematics and science, including the use of induction programs, as defined in section 9813(h) ^[1] of title 20, for teachers in their first 2 years of teaching, especially in underserved areas;

using mathematicians, scientists, and engineers employed by private businesses to help recruit and train mathematics and science teachers;

developing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational programs and materials and conducting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enrichment programs for students, including after-school programs and summer programs, with an emphasis on including and serving students described in subsection (b)(2)(G);

providing research opportunities in business or academia for students and teachers;

bringing mathematicians, scientists, and engineers from business and academia into elementary school and secondary school classrooms;

developing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational curriculum that incorporates art and design to promote creativity and innovation; and

any other activities the Director determines will accomplish the goals of this subsection.