$289 million earmarked for STEM education, student growth

FLORIDA –Governor Ron DeSantis yesterday announced $289 million across Florida for programs that will ensure Florida is continuing to meet the needs of its students, teachers, and families while closing education achievement gaps and advancing student growth, the Florida Department of Education has announced.

“I am proud to announce an additional $289 million for programs that will improve student achievement and close learning gaps,” said DeSantis.

“This announcement builds on our accomplishments over the past three years to make Florida a national leader on education, with our focus on civics, early literacy and STEM programs. I look forward to more announcements in the coming weeks as we continue investing in education for Florida students.”

DeSantis made the announcement at Hialeah Educational Academy, a school that has dedicated STEM programs and offers certificate programs in a variety of fields including law enforcement, nursing and fire rescue.

The $289 million includes funding for STEM programs, civics education, and after-school and summer learning programs., according to the Department of Education.

Included in the $289 million is:

• $105 million for after-school and summer learning camps that help struggling students catch up;
• $47 million for primary materials aligned to Florida’s new standards for English Language Arts (ELA), math, civics and Holocaust education;
• $50 million to support reading intervention and professional development for reading coaches;
• $44 million to support STEM and hands-on learning programs;
• $22.5 million for resources to help parents be more involved in their children’s education; and
• $5 million to establish Regional Mental Health Resiliency Teams.

For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.