Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has filed a package of new legislation to fund initiatives encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math through mentorships and scholarships. STEM is the acronym used to refer to the four distinct but related technical disciplines in education.
Leader McCombie’s legislation includes:
HB 2801 – Directs the Illinois State Board of Education to create a resource for K-12 STEM teachers to inform young women pursuing STEM careers about externship/volunteer opportunities with Illinois organizations in STEM.
HB 2802 – Allows girls in STEM classes to have one school day long absence per school year to pursue STEM externships if approved by school administration.
HB 2806 – Adds women to the list of demographics eligible for the STEM higher education scholarship program (currently only racial minorities are eligible).
“Opportunities for girls and young women in science, technology, engineering and math fields in Illinois are boundless, but we can do a much better job of connecting these students with every available resource they need to succeed,” said McCombie.
According to data from the National Science Foundation, 39% of STEM graduates in 2021 from Illinois universities were women. While that percentage represented the highest composition of female STEM graduates in state history, there remains significant room for improvement statewide. Leader McCombie’s legislation aims to accelerate the number of young women graduating with a degree in a STEM field by increasing opportunities for them both inside and outside the classroom.
“My legislation will help keep Illinois at the forefront of STEM education and give young women from every part of our state the opportunities they need to earn their degree and embark on a fulfilling career in fields critical to Illinois’ economy,” continued McCombie.
For questions or more information, contact Leader McCombie’s district office at 815-291-8989 or email her HERE.