SPONSOR: Davidson
Subject to appropriations, this bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to establish the "STEM Career Awareness Activity Program" for grades nine-12. The DESE will begin promoting the program in the 2026-27 school year and solicit proposal to provide the program by January 1, 2026. By March 1, 2026, DESE must select a provider. Alternatively, the bill authorizes DESE to choose a third party nonprofit entity to implement the Program, solicit proposals, and select a provider.
The bill requires prospective providers to present data demonstrating effectiveness in the following areas: teacher instruction on STEM-related subjects; increased student enrollment in four year STEM related fields; or increased participation in STEM related workforce upon graduation. The bill further outlines criteria for program providers.
This bill also creates the "STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund".
This bill is the same as HB 1972 (2024) and as HB 887 (2023).
Statutes affected: