Bill > LD823

This bill establishes a competitive grant program through the Maine Technology Institute to support statewide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition programs for high school students. The grants will be awarded to organizations that meet specific criteria, including maintaining a national STEM program affiliation, creating professional development opportunities for educators, partnering with the University of Maine System, evaluating student engagement, and promoting diversity in STEM participation. To be eligible, organizations must ensure the program reaches students from all 16 counties, both public and private schools (including homeschooled students), schools eligible for Title I benefits, and schools in various geographic settings like cities, suburbs, towns, and rural areas. Grant recipients must provide matching funds equal to the grant amount and submit a report on the use of funds and measurable outcomes. The bill allocates $75,000 from the General Fund in each of the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support this initiative, with the goal of increasing access to and participation in student-led STEM research projects across Maine.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=823&snum=132