Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10), a strong supporter of STEM education, was awarded ARCS Metropolitan Washington Chapter’s (MWC) 2016 Eagle Award on April 19, 2016. Currently Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, she continues the leadership role she demonstrated as Chairwoman of the Science and Technology Committee of the Virginia House of Delegates. She also introduced the INSPIRE Women Act (H.R. 4755) which passed in March 2016. The act promotes expanded use of NASA programs to promote STEM education for women and girls to advance the future competitiveness of U.S. science and space exploration. In 2013, she founded “The Young Women’s Leadership Program.” High school and junior high school students learn from women role models throughout the Washington, D.C., region, including on Capitol Hill. Congresswoman Comstock is also the daughter of long-time MWC member, Sally Burns.

Congresswoman Comstock says “I am honored to receive the ARCS Foundation’s Eagle Award for advocating for STEM education and STEM jobs.  In order to have a vibrant economy that provides opportunity and prosperity for all we must be the leader in STEM fields. ARCS scholarships provide essential support in creating opportunities to a career path for those who desire to find the next cure for a disease or create the next technological advance that will change the world.”