This bill aims to establish a partnership between Workforce West Virginia's Division of Workforce Development and the West Virginia State Board of Education to create an educational program focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), particularly in chemistry and related careers. The program will be implemented in phases starting in the 2025-2026 school year, initially selecting 10 high schools and technical schools for participation, with plans to expand to all interested schools after two years. The program will provide instructional resources and access to an interactive educational platform for both students and teachers, enhancing their training in STEM fields.

Funding for the program will be allocated by the Department of Commerce, and the initiative is designed to align with existing digital literacy standards. An evaluation of the program's effectiveness will be conducted by January 1, 2027, with recommendations for its future based on its impact on student performance. The bill includes new legal language to formalize this partnership and the associated educational initiatives, ensuring a structured approach to improving STEM education in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21A-12-1