This bill proposes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the General Fund to the Nurture thru Nature (NtN) program at Rutgers University for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The NtN program, established in 2009 by Rutgers faculty, aims to provide STEM educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences for students in grades three through twelve, particularly addressing challenges faced by students in inner-city school districts. These challenges include under-representation in STEM fields, inadequate preparation for STEM careers, and summer learning loss.

The funding is designated as a Grants-in-Aid appropriation specifically for the NtN program, which has shown positive outcomes such as improved science and mathematics grades, heightened interest in STEM disciplines, increased pursuit of higher education in STEM fields, and the development of essential non-cognitive skills like problem-solving, pro-social behavior, and leadership. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.