Dive Brief:
- Michigan's Senate has approved a bill that would allow high school students to earn a STEM endorsement on their diplomas.
- If the state's House, which is currently debating a similar bill, and Gov. Rick Snyder approve the proposal, Michigan will be the first state to offer this sort of certification.
- According to the bill, students in grades 7-12 take six credits of math, six credits of science, half a credit of technology, and half a credit of engineering in addition to their other high school graduation requirements,they are eligible for the endorsement.
Dive Insight:
"STEM education is not only one of the most exciting pieces of education but one of the most important pieces we could aim our kids toward,” State Rep. Amanda Price (R-Park Township), who introduced the House version of the bill in October, told MLive. Part of Price's desire to create this certification is to encourage STEM careers for students and to encourage more STEM job opportunities in Michigan. It's a good economic move, considering how lucrative the field is.