STEM at the Forefront of States’ Education Policy

States across the U.S. are directing their attention to science, technology, education and technology (STEM) education, and already have passed a plethora of new initiatives in the current legislative session.  These programs are directed at various levels of education including primary education and higher education, with one program specifically designated for the state’s community colleges. A number of states have created STEM advisory councils under the governors’ offices, following the lead of Iowa and Massachusetts. Such measures suggest that STEM is no fleeting policy issue and that states are beginning to recognize the economic value of making long-term investments in students.

Both Connecticut and Massachusetts included funding for STEM initiatives within their most recent budgets. The Massachusetts budget included a line item of $4.75 million for a new STEM Starter Academy that will work with one or more community colleges in the state to train students interested in STEM career fields. Connecticut allocated $1.5 billion to University of Connecticut campuses over the next 10 years to expand STEM facilities and enrollment. See SSTI’s coverage of the Connecticut measure for more details.

In Washington and Oregon, a pair of new initiatives target younger students and primary school curriculum. Under HB 1472, Washington became the 10^th state to allow students enrolled in AP Computer Science to apply their credit to their high school diploma as a math and science credit. The state legislature also strengthened its emphasis on STEM in its education policy under HB 1872 by providing a formal definition of STEM literacy, and outlining actions to implement STEM assessments, interdisciplinary instruction, and project-based learning. Meanwhile, Oregon dedicated $8 million over the next two years to establish the STEM Investment Grant Program under HB 2636. The program will provide grants to create and improve in-school programs, regional hubs, and after-school programs. Iowa approved $5.2 million in funding for the second year of the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership under Gov. Terry Branstad’s STEM Advisory Council to continue coordinating STEM programs through schools, clubs, and nonprofits.

Washington followed Iowa’s suit and created the STEM Education Innovation Alliance as an advisory body under the governor’s office that will bring together representatives from industry, higher education, the public education system, and other critical stakeholders to advise the governor on future STEM measures. Utah also dedicated $10 million in one-time and ongoing funds to establish a STEM Action Center to promote best practices, coordinate grant opportunities, provide resources, and serve as a general hub for the state’s STEM policy.