Operations research The term operations research means the application of scientific methods to the management and administration of organized military, governmental, commercial, and industrial processes to maximize operational efficiency. (7) Statistical modeling The term statistical modeling has the meaning given the term in the 2021 Guidelines to Assessment and Instruction in Statistical Education (GAISE II) report. (8) Stem The term STEM means the academic and professional disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer science. (c) Preparing educators To engage students in mathematical and statistical modeling The Director shall make awards on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations (or a consortium thereof) for research and development to advance innovative approaches to support and sustain high-quality mathematical modeling education in schools that are private, faith-based, or homeschools, or operated by local educational agencies, including statistical modeling, data science, operations research, and computational thinking. The Director shall encourage applicants to form partnerships to address critical transitions, such as middle school to high school, high school to college, and school to internships and jobs. (d) Application An entity seeking an award under subsection (c) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. The application shall include the following: (1) A description of the target population to be served by the research activity for which such an award is sought, including student subgroups described in section 1111(b)(2)(B)(xi) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(B)(xi) ), and students experiencing homelessness and children and youth in foster care. (2) A description of the process for recruitment and selection of students, educators, or local educational agencies to participate