SB885 SD2 HD3 CD1 supports the Lingle-Aiona Administration's Hawaii Innovation Initiative, which includes providing Hawaii students with world-class analytical and problem-solving skills developed through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
"The programs established under this bill are part of a long-term effort to develop the innovation capacity of Hawaii's workforce, particularly the younger generation, in order to successfully compete in the global economy," said Lingle. "These initiatives, especially the STEM-related programs, focus on creating life-long learning and skill-building opportunities for students, teachers and our existing labor force."
This measure establishes career and technical programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, computing, robotics and project EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology). Projects will be offered jointly with the University of Hawaii (UH), community colleges, Department of Education (DOE) or private entities. The bill appropriates $5 million for these programs for fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
This includes the establishment of STEM academies on Kauai, through a HiEST (Hawaii Excellence through Science and Technology) Academy pilot program that will be administered by Kauai Community College (KCC) at two public schools. The bill appropriates $522,040 and authorizes three positions at KCC to administer the program. It also provides $53,460 to the DOE for a position to collaborate with the community college on establishing the HiEST pilot program.
"Technology is moving in terms of weeks and months, not years," Lingle said. "Instead of running away from a problem, these kids run toward it and discover a solution."
In addition, the bill creates the FIRST (Fostering Inspiration and Relevance through Science and Technology) program within the UH College of Engineering to focus on setting up project-based learning programs for students in grades 4 through 8.
