AZ HB2152

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2020-2021 to the Arizona Commerce Authority for a STEM learning and workforce development grant program.

Program prioritizes rural and semirural areas, with the goal of building STEM networks and hubs that leverage community assets at all levels.

Funds must support STEM initiatives through schools, higher education institutions, museums, science centers, out-of-school programs, and cross-institutional partnerships in counties with established business-education-community-government networks.

Appropriation is exempt from standard lapsing provisions and is intended as ongoing funding in future fiscal years.

Authority must submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2020, detailing the distribution of funds, using USDA rural-urban continuum codes to categorize areas.