Missouri House Bill HB2313

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24
• Refer: 1/30/24

Caption

Establishes the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Grant program for Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program award recipients

Impact

If enacted, HB2313 would amend Chapter 173 of the Missouri Revised Statutes to create a renewable financial assistance program that could help foster a skilled workforce in STEM areas. The program would offer grants worth up to $500 per academic year to eligible students, allowing them to apply for funding while committing to programs that will lead to STEM degrees. This initiative could have significant implications for higher education in Missouri, enhancing the state's efforts to cultivate talent in areas that are important for economic development and innovation.

Summary

House Bill 2313 establishes a STEM Grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to students who are recipients of the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. It is designed to support those who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields, thereby encouraging educational growth in these critical areas. The bill specifies eligibility criteria for the grants, including requirements for maintaining a certain level of academic progress and the types of institutions that can participate in the program.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB2313 lies in its funding mechanism. As stipulated in the bill, the grant program would require appropriations from the state, which could lead to debates about budget allocations for education versus other pressing state needs. Additionally, while proponents argue that the bill will promote growth in essential sectors, critics may point out that financial assistance should not come at the expense of broader educational opportunities for all fields of study, advocating for a more holistic approach to funding that addresses varying academic disciplines.