PURPOSE; APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED.

SEC. 601. PURPOSE; APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZED. (a) Purpose.— It is the purpose of this part— (1) to establish a National Science Scholars Program to recognize student excellence and achievement in the physical, life, and computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering; (2) to provide financial assistance to students under paragraph (1) to continue their postsecondary education in such fields of study at sustained high levels of performance; (3) to contribute to strengthening the leadership of the United States in such fields; (4) to strengthen the United States mathematics, science, and engineering base by offering opportunities to pursue postsecondary education in life, physical, and computer sciences, mathematics, and engineering; (5) to encourage role models in scientific, mathematics, and engineering fields for young people; (6) to strengthen the United States mathematics, scientific, and engineering potential by encouraging equal participation of women with men in mathematics, scientific, and engineering fields; and (7) to attract talented students to teaching careers in mathematics and science in elementary and secondary schools. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.— There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Education $4,500,000 for fiscal year 1991 for awards to National Science Scholars.