(a) Purposes
The purposes of this section are—

(1) to address the decline in the number of and resources available to nuclear science programs at institutions of higher education; and

(2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to the economic competitiveness and energy security of the United States.

(b) Definition of nuclear science
In this section, the term "nuclear science" includes—

(1) nuclear science;

(2) nuclear engineering;

(3) nuclear chemistry;

(4) radio chemistry; and

(5) health physics.

(c) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish, in accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance institution of higher education nuclear science educational capabilities.

(d) Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education

(1) In general
The Secretary shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish new academic degree programs in nuclear science.

(2) Priority
In evaluating grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that involve partnerships with a National Laboratory or other eligible nuclear-related entity, as determined by the Secretary.

(3) Criteria
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on—

(A) the potential to attract new students to the program;

(B) academic rigor; and

(C) the ability to offer hands-on learning opportunities.

(4) Duration and amount

(A) Duration
A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 years in duration.

(B) Amount
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.

(5) Use of funds
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—

(A) recruit and retain new faculty;

(B) develop core and specialized course content;

(C) encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers in the nuclear science field; and

(D) support outreach efforts to recruit students.

(e) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education

(1) In general
The Secretary shall award up to 5 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs that produce graduates in nuclear science.

(2) Criteria
Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the number and academic quality of graduates in the nuclear sciences who enter into careers in nuclear-related fields.

(3) Duration and amount

(A) Duration
A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 years in duration.

(B) Amount
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.

(4) Use of funds
An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—

(A) increase the number of graduates in nuclear science that enter into careers in the nuclear science field;

(B) enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear technologies;

(C) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with industry and National Laboratories;

(D) bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure and research facilities of the institution of higher education, such as research and training reactors or laboratories; and

(E) provide tuition assistance and stipends to undergraduate and graduate students.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

(1) Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (d)—

(A) $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(C) $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;

(D) $9,800,000 for fiscal year 2011;

(E) $10,100,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

(F) $10,400,000 for fiscal year 2013.

(2) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (e)—

(A) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(C) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;

(D) $8,240,000 for fiscal year 2011;

(E) $8,500,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

(F) $8,750,000 for fiscal year 2013.