Central Valley students could have more access to STEM programs than ever before due to “The Equity in STEM Act,” a new assembly bill presented last week.
Assembly Bill 1923, introduced by Devon Mathis, (R-Visalia), would establish Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Partnership Academies all throughout California — with a focus on underserved and rural areas.
“These programs are a proven and effective form of learning that enables students to gain the necessary experience and knowledge to pursue a career after graduation,” Mathis said in a press release. “Unfortunately, too few of these programs are situated in underserved areas, such as the Central Valley.”
AB 1923 states that not enough youth have access to quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning opportunities, and “too few pupils see these disciplines as springboards to their careers.”
The bill would require a fair allotment of STEM programs in underserved and rural areas.
In coordination with superintendents, AB 1923 would also allow departments to issue grants to school districts to establish up to 100 partnership academies dedicated to training youth in STEM occupations.
“The Central Valley is the fastest-growing region in California by population,” Mathis said. “As our communities grow, so too must access to quality educational programs, such as our Partnership Academics.”
Mathis said the majority of STEM Partnership Academies are concentrated within six counties in the state.
Partnership Academies are small learning communities within a high school facility, that focus on teaching college-preparatory curriculum to students.
Teachers work with the same group of students for several years, while potential employers provide internships and other opportunities for students to learn about the field outside the classroom.
According to a report from the Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Policy at CSU, Sacramento, the supply of STEM workers is not keeping up with the employment demand in STEM-related fields.
Only 16% of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career. Around half of the students majoring in a STEM-related field choose to work in a STEM-related career.
The report suggested increasing STEM-related programs to ensure the industry has enough workers moving forward.
The bill is co-authored by Assembly Members Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel), Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), and Akilah Weber (D-San Diego).
