29 This bill establishes the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
30 Education Matching Grant Program within the Department of Education to provide grant
31 funding to schools, museums and other entities that apply to support programs that offer
32 hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, the arts and
33 mathematics for students in this State in kindergarten to grade 12. Applicants for the grant
34 program are required to demonstrate ability to provide matching funds in the amount of
35
33% of the grant requested. The bill provides methods by which the matching fund
36 requirement can be satisfied and outlines the types of expenses that a grant recipient can
37 cover with the grant funds. The bill outlines criteria that the department must apply when awarding grants. The department is required to develop further criteria and procedures for eligibility, the application process, applicant selection and awarding grants. The department is authorized to adopt routine technical rules to implement the program. The bill provides a nonlapsing appropriation in the amount of $3,000,000 to the program for fiscal year 2025-26, any unused portion of which must be carried forward to fiscal year 2026-27.