AJR156 1R

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman NICHOLAS CHIARAVALLOTI

District 31 (Hudson)

Assemblyman DANIEL R. BENSON

District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblymen Wirths, Space, Conaway and Assemblywoman Downey

SYNOPSIS

Designates second week of March in each year as “STEM Week.”

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As reported by the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on March 11, 2019, with amendments.

A Joint Resolution designating the second week of March in each year as ¹[“S.T.E.M.] “STEM¹ Week.”

Whereas, The State of New Jersey recognizes the importance of public and private entities in working collaboratively to promote initiatives for effective education of young people in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics ¹[(S.T.E.M.)] (STEM)¹; and

Whereas, Many organizations and institutions have adopted the shared mission of informing policymakers, at all levels, of the important role that ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹ education plays in the innovative competitiveness and robustness of the future economy of the United States; and

Whereas, ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹ subjects encompass several foundational skills that aid students in securing well-paying jobs in today's fastest growing science and technological industries, and it is the goal of the State to foster and support students and educators committed to these areas of study; and

Whereas, The State supports the work of public and private organizations to inspire students, especially those of diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds, women, and veterans, to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into and excel within ¹[S.T.E.M.-based] STEM-based¹ careers; and

Whereas, The State recognizes the need to emphasize hands-on learning in atmospheres that encourage inquiries and support the enlistment of ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹professionals who are eager to work with students through internships, workshops, and classroom projects; and

Whereas, The State supports professional development and preparation of educators who are dedicated to putting forward their best efforts in teaching ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM-¹ targeted curricula, and the work of school districts and nonprofit organizations to establish quality education programs that spark the interest of students from all backgrounds and work to build skills and resilience within the State’s student population; and

Whereas, Supporting programs that encourage the State’s young people to pursue education and careers in ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹fields is a proactive way to meet the future workforce needs of the State’s ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹sectors; and

Whereas, In New Jersey, the ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹ sectors are major contributors to the overall health of the State’s economy and the State’s continued success is dependent upon the ability the State’s educational institutions and industries to supply employers with a technologically-literate workforce; and

Whereas, Innovation in ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹fields can be a powerful engine of economic growth in the global economy; and

Whereas, Fostering interest in ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM¹ fields in our future leaders, and continuing to support ¹[S.T.E.M.] STEM-¹ based education programs will help develop essential and sustainable human capital in New Jersey; now, therefore,

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

1. The second week of March of each year is designated as ¹[“S.T.E.M.] “STEM¹ Week” in the State of New Jersey to emphasize the potential of every student from throughout the State to develop skills and learn lessons in personal resiliency from educational programming, internships, and work study programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the second week of March each year as ¹[“S.T.E.M.] “STEM¹ Week” and shall call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe ¹[“S.T.E.M.] “STEM¹ Week” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.