CT Budget Funds Effort to Double State's STEM Graduates in Ten Years

Connecticut's General Assembly approved a biennial budget that includes major increases for science and technology research and education at the University of Connecticut and a boost in funding for the state's others higher education institutions. The $44 billion budget also includes continued funding for the state's economic development programs.

The budget, in conjunction with the Next Generation Connecticut legislation, passed this week, significantly expands funding for science and technology education at the campuses of the University of Connecticut. Under the Next Generation Connecticut plan, the university's campuses would receive $1.5 billion over the next ten years to expand science and technology facilities and enrollment. The additional funds would be used to support the construction of new STEM facilities, building out of teaching and research labs, upgrading of information technology and additional housing and parking. With the approval of this spending, state leaders intend to greatly expand the University of Connecticut's reputation as a leader in research and STEM education in order to improve the quality of its workforce and to attract and create high-tech businesses.

The Next Generation Connecticut bill sets a number of goals for the university's science and technology programs, including:

• increasing enrollment at UConn Storrs and UConn Stamford by 30 percent;
• expanding School of Engineering enrollment by 70 percent;
• increasing the total number of STEM graduates by 47 percent;
• adding 50 STEM doctoral fellowships and introducing a new STEM honors program; and,
• relocating the Hartford campus to improve collaborations and internships with local businesses.

The budget also boosts funding for the institutions under the purview of the state's Board of Regents' system, according to The Connecticut Mirror. The four Connecticut State Universities, the state's twelve community colleges and an online state college will receive an additional $27.1 million for the biennium.

Gov. Daniel Malloy released a statement approving of the biennial budget, and the Next Generation Connecticut legislation, earlier this week. The bills now await his signature. View the bill text and status at: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6704&which_year=2013&SUBMIT1.x=0&SUBMIT1.y=0.