7066-0036 STEM Starter Academy

For science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Starter Academy programs to be implemented through the department of higher education at the Massachusetts community colleges to benefit student populations identified by the department as having expressed a high level of interest in STEM majors and STEM careers and yet are underperforming on STEM academic assessments; provided, that the STEM Starter Academy program shall incorporate best practice design elements from established STEM career pathways initiatives including, but not limited to, those recognized by the Massachusetts' Plan for Excellence in STEM Education and any subsequent STEM plans recognized by the department; provided further, that the STEM Starter Academy shall incorporate employer and industry collaboration to address workforce needs in high-demand fields, industry contextualized STEM curriculum, embedded mathematics and English language remediation and student supports and other STEM education research-based strategies that promote enrollment, enhance retention and increase post-secondary graduation rates and pathways to job placement or transfer to 4-year degree programs; provided further, that appropriated funds may be expended for programs or activities during the summer months; and provided further, that not later than September 30, 2024, the department of higher education shall submit to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on higher education and the joint committee on education an evaluation of this program and its impact