The new SBIR/STTR legislation, in review, is controversial.  However, the proposed Senate bill, S. 1233, does propose a SBIR-STEM workforce development grant pilot program to encourage SBITR/STTR awardees to provide workforce development opportunities to college students in fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.  
 
In summary, the incentive means 10% of either a Phase I (approximately $100K) or Phase II (approximately $500K to $750K) award dedicated to college students. 
Not a bad incentive to inspire the next autonomous robot product created by college students.
 
A snippet from the bill is as follows:
 
SEC. 202. SBIR-STEM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PILOT
PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program Established- From amounts made available to carry out this
section, the Administrator shall establish a SBIR-STEM Workforce Development
Grant Pilot Program to encourage the business community to provide workforce
development opportunities for college students, in the fields of science, technology,
engineering, and math (in this section referred to as `STEM college students’), by
providing a SBIR bonus grant.
 
(b) Eligible Entities Defined- In this section the term `eligible entity’ means a grantee
receiving a grant under the SBIR Program on the date of the bonus grant under
subsection (a) that provides an internship program for STEM college students.
 
(c) Awards- An eligible entity shall receive a bonus grant equal to 10 percent of
either a Phase I or Phase II grant, as applicable, with a total award maximum of not
more than $10,000 per year.
 
(d) Evaluation- Following the fourth year of funding under this section, the
Administrator shall submit a report to Congress on the results of the SBIR-STEM
Workforce Development Grant Pilot Program.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this section–
 
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