---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 U.S.C. § 3912"
title: "20"
title_heading: "Education"
number: "3912"
heading: "Functional objectives; uses of funds"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/20/3912"
units:
  - "Chapter 52 — Education for Economic Security"
  - "Subchapter I — National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Education"
---

# §3912. Functional objectives; uses of funds

- (a) In carrying out its science and engineering education responsibilities, the [Foundation](/usc/20/3902.md?p=5) shall have the following functional objectives: public understanding of science and technology, faculty enhancement, student education and training, instructional development and instrumentation, and materials development and dissemination.
- (b) Funds under this subchapter shall, consistent with such functional objectives, be used for—
  - (1) enhancement of public understanding of science and engineering through informal education activities using a variety of mediums such as broadcasting, museums, clubs, and amateur science societies;
  - (2) development of new science and engineering faculty resources and talents;
  - (3) enhancement of the quality of science and engineering instruction in colleges of teacher education;
  - (4) development of four-year college faculty and instructors in high technology fields;
  - (5) development of two-year community college faculty and instructors especially in high technology fields;
  - (6) development of precollege mathematics, science and engineering education and training;
  - (7) encouragement of potential students, including underrepresented and underserved populations, to pursue careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and critical foreign languages;
  - (8) development of instructional instrumentation and systems for postsecondary technical, engineering, and scientific education; and
  - (9) development of science, engineering, and education networks to aid in the development and dissemination of successful curricula, methods, and materials.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–377, title I, § 102, as added Pub. L. 99–159, title II, § 201, Nov. 22, 1985, 99 Stat. 894.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 3912, Pub. L. 98–377, title I, § 102, Aug. 11, 1984, 98 Stat. 1268, related to submission, contents, etc., of applications, prior to the general revision of this subchapter by section 201 of Pub. L. 99–159.