Bill > HB1111

This bill establishes the STEM Career Awareness Activity Program, which aims to increase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career awareness among high school students in grades nine through twelve. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will implement a statewide program that introduces students to STEM careers through participation in state, national, or international competitions. The department will solicit and select a program provider by March 1, 2026, focusing on providers who can demonstrate effectiveness in improving STEM instruction, increasing likelihood of students pursuing STEM education, or entering STEM workforce. The selected provider must use fully certified STEM teachers to lead activities and facilitate student participation in competitions. The bill also creates a dedicated STEM Career Awareness Activity Fund to support the program, which can receive appropriations, gifts, and donations. The fund will be managed by the state treasurer and used exclusively for program administration. The department is authorized to develop necessary rules and regulations for implementing the program, with provisions ensuring legislative oversight of the rulemaking process.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1111&year=2025&code=R