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Bill > S3122
NJ S3122
NJ S3122Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would establish the four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program," which would provide grants to assist school districts in enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programs for students and increasing access to STEM education programs. Applications for grant awards under this pilot program would be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, who would allocate the awards on a competitive basis. The grant awards would be distributed so that school districts can build upon existing STEM education programs or create new education programs along three distinct areas of concentration, namely project-based learning, afterschool STEM, and out-of-school STEM. This bill also establishes within the Department of Education a fund to be known as the "STEM Scholars Grant Fund," which would be used to provide grants to school districts under the pilot program. The fund would be annually credited with money appropriated by the Legislature, any moneys received by the State from corporate donors or other private sector support, and any federal funds which may become available for STEM-related activities. No State funds would be used to support a grant under the pilot program unless there is an appropriation for the pilot program in the annual appropriations act for that fiscal year.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" within the Department of Education, which will provide grants to school districts to improve and expand their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs, including those focused on project-based learning, afterschool activities, and out-of-school experiences. The Commissioner of Education will award these grants competitively based on applications that detail how the funds will be used to create or enhance STEM programs, recruit students, support mentors, ensure program sustainability, and evaluate their impact. To fund these grants, a "STEM Scholars Grant Fund" will be created within the Department of Education, which will receive money from legislative appropriations, private donors, and federal funds, with the stipulation that state funds can only be used if specifically appropriated by the Legislature.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3122 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3122_I1.HTM |
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