Alien legislation clears education committee

With New Jersey set to demand a total of 248,250 jobs requiring education specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by 2018, Senator Diane Allen is sponsoring legislation to promote instruction in these subject areas in New Jersey public schools.

S-2562, which was approved by the Senate Education Committee today, establishes a competitive grant program for school districts to support non-traditional and alternative STEM education programs and instruction.

“If we do not prepare our children to pursue the education and skills they need to take these good-paying jobs, they will be taken by someone else,” said Allen (R- Burlington).  “With a heavy emphasis on the pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and defense industries, New Jersey’s economy will continue to be dependent on a labor force that is equipped with post-secondary and advanced degrees in the STEM fields.  The groundwork for that education begins in high schools across New Jersey.”

If approved by the legislature and signed into law, school districts will apply to win grants that may be used to promote STEM education and career activities, including non-traditional educational avenues such as participation in competitions (math Olympics, robotics, etc.) hosted by non-profit organizations.

Grants would be funded to a maximum of $150,000 per district, with a total of six districts awarded grants in the competitive process.  Funding would be achieved as follows: 50% contribution by the state, 25% contribution by the local school districts selected to receive the grants, and 25% through private sector contributions.

“STEM careers are among the fastest growing, and most highly paid, in the country,” Allen continued.  “yet as a nation we do a relatively poor job of educating students to give them the skills they need to pursue them.  The alternative and non-traditional education piece of this program is specifically important because it recognizes that education is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.  Interest in these fields, which can be intimidating to many students, often flags in a traditional classroom setting.”