Protecting America’s Competitive Edge (PACE) graduate fellowship program
Definition of eligible student
Establishment
Selection
In general
Criteria
The Secretary shall establish selection criteria for awarding fellowships under this section that require an eligible student—
to pursue a field of science or engineering of importance to a mission area of the Department;
to demonstrate to the Secretary—
the capacity of the eligible student to understand technical topics relating to the fellowship that can be derived from the first principles of the technical topics;
imagination and creativity;
leadership skills in organizations or intellectual endeavors, demonstrated through awards and past experience; and
excellent verbal and communication skills to explain, defend, and demonstrate an understanding of technical subjects relating to the fellowship; and
to be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States.
Awards
Amount
A fellowship awarded under this section shall—
provide an annual living stipend; and
cover—
graduate tuition at an institution of higher education described in subsection (a); and
incidental expenses associated with curricula and research at the institution of higher education (including books, computers, and software).
Duration
Portability
Administration
The Secretary, acting through the Director of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education—
shall administer the program established under this section; and
may enter into a contract with a nonprofit entity to administer the program, including the selection and award of fellowships.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
$7,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$12,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, including nonexpiring fellowships for the preceding fiscal year;
$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, including nonexpiring fellowships for preceding fiscal years;
$20,600,000 for fiscal year 2011;
$21,200,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
$21,900,000 for fiscal year 2013.