Bill > A940

This bill establishes the four-year "New Jersey Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" within the Department of Education (DOE) to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs for students in grades 4 through 12. The program aims to foster innovation and broaden interest in STEM careers by supporting project- and problem-based learning, encouraging collaboration with professional mentors, and promoting participation in STEM-related competitions. The DOE Commissioner will award competitive grants of up to $150,000 to six qualifying school districts, with priority given to rural, urban, low-performing, or schools serving low-income students, defined as those qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. School districts receiving grants must provide matching funds and secure additional contributions from private donors, and the grant funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing STEM funding. The bill also establishes an "Innovation Inspiration School Grant Fund" to receive legislative appropriations and private donations to support the program, and clarifies that state funds will only be used if specifically appropriated, with the program set to begin in the 2015-2016 school year.