AZ SB1183

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Arizona commerce authority for a STEM learning and workforce development grant program.

Grant program shall build STEM networks and hubs prioritizing rural areas, coordinating with the department of education's career and technical education unit.

Eligible entities for funding include: county networks with cross-institutional business and education partners, schools and school districts for teacher training, out-of-school STEM programs, museums and science centers, higher education institutions, and other entities recognized by the authority.

Defines "rural area" as tribal lands, cities or towns with populations under 50,000, or counties with populations under 800,000.

Appropriation is exempt from lapsing provisions and the legislature intends it as ongoing funding in future years; authority must report on grant distribution to the president of the senate and speaker of the house by December 31, 2023.