S1106

An Act establishing the “STEM Curriculum Grant Program” and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. As used in this act, “at-risk pupils” means those resident pupils from households with a household income at or below the most recent federal poverty guidelines available on October 15 of the prebudget year multiplied by 1.85.

2. a. There is established in the Department of Education the “STEM Curriculum Grant Program.” The program shall promote project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for at-risk pupils in grades six through eight. The Commissioner of Education shall partner with the nonprofit organization known as Engaged Learning Strategies to administer the program.

b. The Commissioner of Education shall select a minimum of two school districts teaching grades six through eight that offer existing STEM curriculum programs, which include the elements required in subsection c. of this section. The commissioner may select additional school districts subject to available funding. Each selected school district shall support at least 60 at-risk pupils in the program.

c. In implementing the program, a school district that receives a grant shall:

(1) provide access to hands-on courses that offer students the opportunity to engage in the design, development, and implementation of projects applicable to real-world learning experiences;

(2) include an accelerated option for students who are at least a year behind grade level, which option allows students to complete two grade levels in a single year; and

(3) offer curriculum development, professional development training of staff members, and classroom supplies and equipment.

d. Grant funds may be used by a selected school district to continue or expand its existing STEM curriculum programs, including developing and implementing curriculum, providing professional development opportunities, and purchasing furniture and supplies necessary to meet the requirements of the programs.

e. The Legislature shall annually appropriate such sums as are necessary to implement the provisions of this act.

3. There is appropriated the sum of $2,250,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education, for distribution to Engaged Learning Strategies for the purposes of implementing the provisions of this act.

4. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill establishes the “STEM Curriculum Grant Program” in the Department of Education to promote project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for at-risk students in grades six through eight. The Commissioner of Education is required to select a minimum of two school districts with existing STEM curricular programs that meet certain defined requirements. An eligible program is required under the bill to: provide hands-on courses that offer students the opportunity to engage in the design, development, and implementation of projects applicable to real-world learning experiences; include an accelerated learning option for students at least one grade level behind that will allow them to complete two grade levels in a single year; offer curriculum development, professional development training of staff members, and classroom supplies and equipment.

The bill appropriates $2.25 million to the Department of Education for the program. The department would partner with a nonprofit known as Engaged Learning Strategies to administer the program.

It is the intent of the sponsor that the program builds off the success of existing programs. One example is a school district with an accelerated program that allows students to complete both seventh and eighth grades in a single year. It provides a rigorous yet supportive environment where students not only advance a full grade level but also build the academic and personal skills they need to transition into high school with confidence. Over the past two years, students have had remarkable results. The students who completed the program in the 2023-2024 school year are now thriving as 10th graders, while those who participated in the 2024-2025 school year are currently in ninth grade. A different district began the program in the 2024-2025 school year with 65 students with 55 of those students graduating to ninth grade. For the 2025-2026 school year, 67 students are participating.