AJR156

A Joint Resolution designating the second week of March in each year as “S.T.E.M. Week.”

Whereas, The State of New Jersey recognizes the importance of public and private entities in working collaboratively to promote initiatives for effective education of young people in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.); and

Whereas, Many organizations and institutions have adopted the shared mission of informing policymakers, at all levels, of the important role that S.T.E.M. education plays in the innovative competitiveness and robustness of the future economy of the United States; and

Whereas, S.T.E.M. subjects encompass several foundational skills that aid students in securing well-paying jobs in today's fastest growing science and technological industries, and it is the goal of the State to foster and support students and educators committed to these areas of study; and

Whereas, The State supports the work of public and private organizations to inspire students, especially those of diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds, women, and veterans, to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into and excel within S.T.E.M.-based careers; and

Whereas, The State recognizes the need to emphasize hands-on learning in atmospheres that encourage inquiries and support the enlistment of S.T.E.M. professionals who are eager to work with students through internships, workshops, and classroom projects; and

Whereas, The State supports professional development and preparation of educators who are dedicated to putting forward their best efforts in teaching S.T.E.M. targeted curricula, and the work of school districts and nonprofit organizations to establish quality education programs that spark the interest of students from all backgrounds and work to build skills and resilience within the State’s student population; and

Whereas, Supporting programs that encourage the State’s young people to pursue education and careers in S.T.E.M. fields is a proactive way to meet the future workforce needs of the State’s S.T.E.M. sectors; and

Whereas, In New Jersey, the S.T.E.M. sectors are major contributors to the overall health of the State’s economy and the State’s continued success is dependent upon the ability the State’s educational institutions and industries to supply employers with a technologically-literate workforce; and

Whereas, Innovation in S.T.E.M. fields can be a powerful engine of economic growth in the global economy; and

Whereas, Fostering interest in S.T.E.M. fields in our future leaders, and continuing to support S.T.E.M. based education programs will help develop essential and sustainable human capital in New Jersey; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The second week of March of each year is designated as "S.T.E.M. Week" in the State of New Jersey to emphasize the potential of every student from throughout the State to develop skills and learn lessons in personal resiliency from educational programming, internships, and work study programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the second week of March each year as “S.T.E.M. Week” and shall call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe “S.T.E.M. Week” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates the second week of March in each year as “S.T.E.M. Week” in New Jersey to emphasize the potential of every student from throughout the State to develop skills and learn lessons in personal resiliency from educational programming, internships, and work study programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.).

The State recognizes the importance of public and private entities in working collaboratively to promote initiatives for effective education of young people in S.T.E.M. fields, and recognizes the need to emphasize hands-on learning in atmospheres that encourage inquiries and support the enlistment of S.T.E.M. professionals who can work with students through internships, workshops, and classroom projects. The State further recognizes the need to support programs that encourage New Jersey’s young people to pursue education and careers in S.T.E.M. fields in order to meet the future workforce needs of the State’s S.T.E.M. sectors.