9-22-104. STEM Action Center Board -- Duties.

545 words·~2 min read·/ut/title-9/chapter-22/9-22-104

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 5/6/2026

(1)The STEM board shall:

(a)establish the STEM Action Center to:

(i)coordinate STEM activities in the state among the following stakeholders:

(A)the State Board of Education;

(B)school districts and charter schools;

(C)the Utah Board of Higher Education;

(D)institutions of higher education;

(E)private postsecondary educational institution;

(F)parents of home-schooled students;

(G)other state agencies; and

(H)business and industry representatives;

(ii)align public education STEM activities with higher education STEM activities; and

(iii)create and coordinate best practices among public education and higher education;

(b)with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a director to oversee the administration of the STEM Action Center;

(c)select a physical location for the STEM Action Center;

(d)strategically engage industry and business entities to cooperate with the STEM board:

(i)to support high quality professional development and provide other assistance for educators and students; and

(ii)to provide private funding and support for the STEM Action Center;

(e)give direction to the STEM Action Center and the providers selected through a request for proposals process pursuant to this part; and

(f)work to meet the following expectations:

(i)that at least 50 educators are implementing best practice learning tools in classrooms;

(ii)performance change in student achievement in each classroom participating in a STEM Action Center project; and

(iii)that students from at least 50 schools in the state participate in the STEM competitions, fairs, and camps described in Subsection 9-22-106(2)(d) .

(2)The STEM board may:

(a)enter into contracts for the purposes of this part;

(b)apply for, receive, and disburse funds, contributions, or grants from any source for the purposes set forth in this part;

(c)employ, compensate, and prescribe the duties and powers of individuals necessary to execute the duties and powers of the STEM board;

(d)prescribe the duties and powers of the STEM Action Center providers; and

(e)in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act , make rules to administer this part.

(3)The STEM board may establish a foundation to assist in:

(a)the development and implementation of the programs authorized under this part to promote STEM education; and

(b)implementation of other STEM education objectives described in this part.

(4)A foundation established by the STEM board under Subsection

(3):

(a)may solicit and receive contributions from a private organization for STEM education objectives described in this part;

(b)shall comply with the requirements described in Section 9-22-105 ;

(c)does not have power or authority to incur contractual obligations or liabilities that constitute a claim against public funds;

(d)may not exercise executive or administrative authority over the programs or other activities described in this part, except to the extent specifically authorized by the STEM board;

(e)shall provide the STEM board with information detailing transactions and balances associated with the foundation; and

(f)may not:

(i)engage in lobbying activities;

(ii)attempt to influence legislation; or

(iii)participate in any campaign activity for or against:

(A)a political candidate; or

(B)an initiative, referendum, proposed constitutional amendment, bond, or any other ballot proposition submitted to the voters.

Amended by Chapter 183 , 2026 General Session