NC S1198

Education Cabinet shall prioritize increasing the number of students earning postsecondary credentials in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by 2015 to reduce the gap between needed credentialed workers and available jobs.

Education Cabinet shall encourage cooperative efforts between secondary schools and institutions of higher education to prepare students for STEM postsecondary study and identify efforts to increase enrollment and completion in STEM certificates and degrees.

Education Cabinet shall determine measurements for assessing available STEM jobs in North Carolina and the number of students earning STEM credentials at all higher education institutions, including community colleges and public and private universities.

Education Cabinet shall identify federal, State, and local funding sources to support STEM priorities and is encouraged to pursue private funds for this purpose.

Education Cabinet shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by November 1, 2011, and annually thereafter on its STEM activities, and shall report to the JOBS Study Commission by November 1, 2011, on measurements established, gap reduction efforts, and funding sources.