S.F. No. 3944 Summary

• Authorizes $3,500,000 in state bond proceeds for the city of Sleepy Eye to design, construct, and renovate the former Orchid Inn event center into a STEM Education Center emphasizing agriculture.

• Requires AGlobal Education to develop and operate the center serving grades 6-12 in greater Minnesota, focusing on STEM labs, agriculture programs, and career pathways through project-based learning.

• Establishes collaborative partnerships between AGlobal Education, K-12 school districts, postsecondary institutions, businesses, and international partners to increase access to STEM and agriculture training.

• Mandates AGlobal Education to establish an advisory committee and submit annual financial reports to the legislature and commissioner of agriculture by January 15, with the first report due January 15, 2020.

• Authorizes the city to enter into lease or management agreements for center operations and allows the commissioner of management and budget to issue bonds to fund the project upon confirmation of sufficient resources for completion.