MN HF4352

Appropriates $3,500,000 from bond proceeds to the commissioner of education for a grant to the city of Sleepy Eye to design, construct, renovate, and equip the former Orchid Inn event center as a STEM Education Center with emphasis on agriculture.

Establishes AGlobal Education as the organization to develop and operate the STEM center, focusing on grades 6-12 in greater Minnesota with emphasis on STEM labs, agriculture programs, and career pathways.

Requires the STEM center to facilitate collaboration between school districts, postsecondary institutions, businesses, and international partners while providing professional development for educators and project-based learning opportunities.

Directs AGlobal Education to establish a STEM education advisory committee and submit annual financial reports to the legislature and commissioner of agriculture beginning by January 15, 2020.

Authorizes the commissioner of management and budget to sell and issue state bonds up to $3,500,000 to fund the project, effective the day following final enactment.