attained the age of 11. 4. Research grants (a) In general The Director shall award grants on a competitive basis to institutions of higher education, local educational agencies, or nonprofit organizations (or consortia of such institutions, agencies, or organizations), to accelerate research efforts to increase understanding of the factors that contribute to the willingness or unwillingness of young girls to participate in STEM activities. (b) Research areas Research areas funded by a grant under this section may include— (1) the role of teacher training and professional development, including effective incentive structures to encourage teachers to participate in such training and professional development, in encouraging or discouraging young girls from participating in STEM activities