FY 2016 Appropriation

The STEM Action center is responsible for prioritizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the state. The long run goal of the program is to develop the workforce of the future for Utah. The center will coordinate public and higher education STEM initiatives and best practices in order to ensure that the future education needs of the workforce are met.

The Center is also required to provide a list of at least 10 best practices innovations used in Utah schools resulting in at least 80 percent of the students providing at grade level in STEM areas.

Funding History
Appropriation Overview

During the 2015 General Session, the Legislature appropriated for Fiscal Year 2016, $8,008,900 from all sources for STEM Action Center. This is a 75 percent reduction from Fiscal Year 2015 revised estimated amounts from all sources. The total includes $6,508,900 from the General/Education Funds, a reduction of 69.7 percent from revised Fiscal Year 2015 estimates.

Statute

Statutory authority for the STEM Action Center is found in UCA 63M-1-3204.

H.B. 139, "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Action Center" was passed in the 2013 General Session and initially provided $1.5 million in ongoing General Fund and $8.5 million in one-time General Fund for the development of a comprehensive statewide STEM program. H.B. 139 authorized a pilot program with two components: 1) to provide education technology related to mathematics instruction for grades 6 through 8; and 2) to prepare high school students for college mathematics courses.

The legislation also provided the initial structure for the STEM Action Center and STEM education throughout the state. The functions of the center include: working with the State Board of Education to acquire technology for schools, supporting professional development for teachers, engaging private entities in providing staff support or financial resources for STEM activities, and acting as a research and development center for education related instructional technologies.

In the 2014 General Session H.B. 150, "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Amendments" passed, authorizing an additional $5.0 million in ongoing General Fund and an additional $15.0 million in one-time General Fund. The bill expanded on the center's mission to promote best practices in STEM education and serve as repository of curriculum, programs and activities.

The legislation also allowed the STEM Action Center board to create a foundation; expand the scope of the STEM education related technology program to more students; and create the STEM education middle school applied science initiative and the high school STEM education initiative. Lastly, the bill created the STEM education endorsements and incentive program.

Intent Language

HB0003: Item 57

Under Section 63J-1-603 of the Utah Code, the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the STEM Action Center in Laws of Utah 2014, Chapter 10, Item 9 not lapse at the close of FY 2015. The use of any non-lapsing funds is limited to STEM Center Administrative activities: $2,000,000.


HB0003: Item 57

Under Section 63J-1-603 of the Utah Code, the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the STEM Action Center, in Laws of Utah 2014, Chapter 318, Section 11 (6)(a)(b) and (7)(a)(b) shall not lapse at the close of FY 2015. The use of any non-lapsing funds is limited to STEM Action Center activities as indicated.


HB0003: Item 57

Under Section 63J-1-603 of the Utah Code, the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for the STEM Action Center, in Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 336, Section 9(4)(b) and (5)(b) shall not lapse at the close of FY 2015. The use of any non-lapsing funds is limited to STEM Action Center activities as indicated.


Funding for the STEM Action Center is from the General Fund and is used primarily for staff support and the purchase of technology.

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COBI contains unaudited data as presented to the Legislature by state agencies at the time of publication. For audited financial data see the State of Utah's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports.