2022 -- H 7452

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LC004698

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO MYSTIC AQUARIUM FOR EXPANSION

OF THE STEM ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Barros, Giraldo, Amore, Alzate, and Messier

     Date Introduced: February 11, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

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     WHEREAS, The RI STEM Advantage program is conducted through the Mystic

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Aquarium, a nonprofit organization. The program was designed to "close the opportunity gap for

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vulnerable youth in grades K-12 by providing STEM skills and experiences that are engaging and

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relevant to RI youth and educators"; and

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     WHEREAS, The program is requesting funds for a one-time expansion to combat

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COVID learning loss and social isolation for more than 1,000 youth from the communities of

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Cranston, Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Warwick,

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Newport, Westerly, Woonsocket, and the Narragansett Tribe; and

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     WHEREAS, The program includes in-person and online professional development and

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ongoing training and technical assistance as well as curriculum, digital resources, and supplies for

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young people and peer mentors to participate and work together on a variety of topics and careers

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with a focus on community-based environmental stewardship, including renewable energy,

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watersheds, endangered species and careers in STEM; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

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otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars

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($500,000) to the Mystic Aquarium to expand the Stem Advantage Program; and the state

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controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for the

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payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of

 

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properly authenticated vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO MYSTIC AQUARIUM FOR EXPANSION

OF THE STEM ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to expand the

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Stem Advantage Program.

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LC004698

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