New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A883

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.

Impact

The bill outlines specific requirements for school districts that seek to apply for grants. A maximum of six grants, each up to $150,000, will be awarded competitively, with a focus on rural or urban schools, low-performing schools, and districts serving low-income students. The funding can be used for various STEM-related initiatives including purchasing supplies, providing stipends for teachers, and financing student participation in STEM competitions. Notably, the districts are required to match the grant with both local funds and contributions from private donors, further promoting community involvement and support for STEM education.

Summary

Assembly Bill A883, known as the 'New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program Act,' proposes the establishment of a four-year grant program administered by the Department of Education. The aim of this pilot program is to foster early interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among students in grades K-8. The program will support schools in implementing non-traditional STEM teaching methods which emphasize inquiry-based learning and collaboration with professionals in the field. Through these initiatives, A883 aims to broaden the involvement of underrepresented populations in STEM fields, particularly young women and students from low-income backgrounds.

Contention

Some points of contention around A883 may arise from its funding structure, particularly the matching funds requirement which some may argue could limit participation from schools with fewer resources. Additionally, while the bill is designed to enhance educational opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in STEM, concerns could be raised about ensuring that the program effectively reaches and supports these populations in practice. The emphasis on competitive grants may also lead to concerns about equitable access for all schools, especially those in lower socioeconomic areas, potentially resulting in disparities in educational opportunities.

Companion Bills

NJ A3427

Carry Over Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.

NJ S3104

Carry Over Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3427

Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.

NJ S3104

Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.

NJ AB2186

Education finance: Golden State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher Grant Program.

NJ A3834

Makes certain changes to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educator grant program.

NJ S2563

Makes certain changes to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educator grant program.

NJ AB1923

Partnership academies: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

NJ LD1740

An Act to Establish the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Education Matching Grant Program

NJ HR340

Urging the Department of Education to expand the PAsmart initiative to include grants for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and computer science innovation ethics programs.

NJ A165

Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education.

NJ A1778

Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education.

Similar Bills

NJ A3427

Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.

NJ S3104

Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.

TX HB2893

Relating to the technology demonstration sites project and to a computer lending pilot program.

NJ S2731

Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.

NJ S2062

Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.

NJ A270

Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.

NJ A2617

Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.

TX HB2572

Relating to eliminating the state-required assessment instrument in social studies and the United States history end-of-course assessment instrument and to establishing a pilot program to develop a portfolio method to assess student performance in those courses.