Grassley has been an advocate for ensuring that talented and gifted children receive the education needed to reach their full potential. In March, Grassley introduced legislation that provides block grants to state agencies based on the state's population of children ages 5-18 for the preceding academic year. The grants are to be used in several broad spending areas with the decisions as to where the money is ultimately used, lying in the hands of the local school districts. The legislation is currently being considered in a House-Senate Conference Committee.
"In times of serious national challenges, and we're in one right now, our nation has always turned to its best and brightest. Gifted children throughout the country are a vital national resource that will become increasingly important for our future prosperity and social well-being," Grassley said.
Grassley also congratulated Brennan Johnson of Des Moines for winning a $50,000 scholarship for her work on the "Phylogeography of the Western Hognose Snake." She is currently attending Columbia University majoring in molecular biology.
The Davidson Fellows Award was established to encourage, recognize and reward the outstanding achievements of young people. The award is given to young people under the age of 18 who demonstrate the development of their talents with a significant piece of work in the areas of technology, mathematics, and/or humanities. Davidson Fellows are awarded $50,000 or $10,000 scholarships to be used to further the development of their talent through attendance at an accredited institution of learning.