JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive education and workforce development bill aimed at enhancing opportunities in STEM education and career-technical certificate programs. HB 1569, sponsored by Representative Ann Kelley, would push Missouri into new era of support for students pursuing degrees and certifications vital to Missouri’s economic growth and innovation.
HB 1569 introduces several key provisions aimed at fostering academic and professional growth:
- STEM Grant: The bill mandates the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to provide STEM grants of up to $2000 to eligible recipients pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields. These grants offer crucial financial support to students, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue financial burden.
- Career-Tech Certificate Program: Introducing the Career-Tech Certificate (CTC) Program, the bill offers reimbursement for tuition, books, and fees to students meeting requirements for the A+ Program. This initiative aims to incentivize participation in career-technical education, preparing students for success in high-demand industries.
- Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program: HB 1569 increases financial aid for eligible recipients under the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program, providing much-needed support for students attending public and private institutions across the state.
- International Baccalaureate Examinations: Public community colleges, colleges, and universities are mandated to adopt policies granting undergraduate course credit to students achieving a score of 4 or higher on international baccalaureate exams, promoting academic recognition and advancement.
- Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant: Increasing the eligibility threshold, the bill expands access to the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, providing greater support to taxpayers pursuing workforce training and education.
Rep. Kelley, R-Lamar, expressed her enthusiasm for the bill’s passage, stating, “HB 1569 represents a significant investment in Missouri’s future. By prioritizing STEM education and expanding opportunities for career-technical training, we are empowering our students to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce. This legislation underscores our commitment to fostering innovation, economic growth, and upward mobility for all Missourians.”
“The passage of HB 1569 is proof of Missouri’s dedication to creating a robust educational landscape and a skilled workforce,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “By expanding access to STEM education and career-technical programs, we are laying the foundation for our state’s future prosperity.”
HB 1569 reflects a bipartisan commitment to advancing education and workforce development initiatives essential to Missouri’s long-term prosperity. With its passage in the Missouri House, the bill now moves forward for consideration in the Senate, offering promise for a brighter future for Missouri’s students and workforce.
Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican, represents part of Cedar, Jasper, Barton and Dade counties, District 127 in the Missouri House of Representatives. Rep. Kelley was elected in November 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Kelley at 573-751-2165 or by email at Ann.Kelley@house.mo.gov.