ASSEMBLY SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1070

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  AUGUST 10, 2020

      The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1070.

      As reported, this bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education to establish a program to assist institutions of higher education in the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Underrepresented students include women and students from other populations historically underrepresented in the STEM fields. The purpose of the program is to develop guidance and strategies for the institutions to:

· identify cultural and institutional barriers experienced by underrepresented students, including an assessment of the academic, social, and family-related factors which may negatively impact the recruitment and retention of those students into the STEM fields; and

· provide the students with the institutional and faculty support necessary to allow underrepresented students in STEM programs to reach their academic goals.   

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.