SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) recently introduced legislation that will increase science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education throughout the state. Assembly Bill 706 establishes the California STEM AmeriCorps (CalSTEM) program, which is designed to improve the academic performance of K-12 students in STEM subject areas, increase the number of college graduates in STEM disciplines, and forge pathways for students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
“To have a thriving and successful economy, it is imperative that students have a foundation in STEM education that enables them to obtain jobs in the growing tech and biotech industries here in California,” said Assemblywoman Bonilla. “AB 706 will increase the likelihood that students will participate, and become engaged, in a STEM-focused program which will lead to higher education and greater career opportunities.”
There is an urgent need in the state for a larger STEM workforce. Approximately thirty to forty percent of STEM occupations have workforce shortages. CalSTEM AmeriCorps addresses this demand and expands upon President Obama’s STEM AmeriCorps initiative, which placed hundreds of AmeriCorps members in non-profit organizations across the country to inspire students to develop and excel in STEM subject areas. CalSTEM AmeriCorps not only provides greater opportunities for many low income students who otherwise would not have access, but it also allows recently graduated college students to share their experiences and expose other young minds to the benefits of STEM education.
AB 706 gives authority to California Volunteers, a state office that manages volunteer programs, to administer CalSTEM AmeriCorps. Additionally, this bill allows non-profit organizations to apply to host CalSTEM AmeriCorps members, defines the qualification requirements for those members, and authorizes California Volunteers to solicit private funds for operating purposes.
“This bill does more than enable new STEM focused programs through AmeriCorps,” continued Assemblywoman Bonilla. “It marks the rise of a greater commitment to public-private partnerships that will invest in, and support the development of, a stronger California STEM workforce.”
Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) was elected in November 2010 and represents California’s 14th Assembly District, which includes Contra Costa County and Solano County.
