Texas Senate Bill SB1729

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/6/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11

Caption

Relating to the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (T-STEM) Challenge Scholarship program.

Impact

The addition of a scholarship program under SB1729 could significantly impact state education policies by prioritizing STEM fields. Eligible institutions must develop partnerships with local businesses, which could lead to greater relevance in education and facilitate job placements for graduates. Furthermore, the requirement for students to maintain a GPA and credit completion rate sets a standard that can improve overall educational outcomes among scholarship recipients.

Summary

SB1729 establishes the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (T-STEM) Challenge Scholarship program to provide financial assistance to students pursuing STEM disciplines. This bill aims to support students who qualify academically and agree to work part-time in businesses aligned with their fields of study. The intent behind this initiative is to enhance the workforce in vital STEM sectors by ensuring that students not only receive education but also gain practical experience throughout their college years.

Contention

While there may not be notable points of contention directly highlighted in the bill text, discussions around funding sources and the effectiveness of pairing education with employment opportunities could arise. The bill stipulates that at least 50% of scholarship funds must come from private sources, which might provoke debate regarding the sustainability of funding and the potential inequalities it may create. Concerns may also be raised about whether partnering with businesses might influence educational content or priorities.