SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5624

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) is authorized to select community or technical colleges to develop and offer programs of study leading to applied baccalaureate degrees.

Colleges selected by SBCTC to offer an applied baccalaureate degree must demonstrate the capacity to make a longer-term commitment of resources to build and sustain a high-quality program; have faculty appropriately qualified to develop and deliver high-quality curriculum; demonstrate demand by students and employers; and fill a gap in options available for students because it is not offered by a public four-year institution of higher education in the college's geographic area. Currently, community and technical colleges offer ten applied bachelors' degrees at eight colleges.

In the 2006 supplemental budget, the Legislature appropriated $904,000 for start-up and planning funds for four applied baccalaureate degree programs at colleges. In the 2007-09 operating budget, the Legislature appropriated another $452,000 for start-up and planning funds for two applied baccalaureate degree programs, one of which was required to be at a technical college.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) must employ a statewide director for math, science, and technology. The director has specific duties, including to collaborate with community and technical colleges and four-year institutions of higher education in conducting outreach efforts to attract middle and high school students to careers in math, science, and technology and to educate students about the coursework that is necessary to be prepared to succeed in these fields.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The statewide director for math, science, and technology employed by SPI must work with SBCTC to develop high-demand applied baccalaureate programs that align with high-quality secondary science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs and career and technical education (CTE) programs, subject to available funding.

In addition to other applied baccalaureate degree programs and pursuant to state law on applied baccalaureates, SBCTC must select colleges to develop and offer two programs that support the continuation of high-quality STEM programs or CTE programs offered to students in kindergarten through grade 12 who are prepared and aspire to continue in these high-demand areas in college and the workforce. Selected colleges for the new high-demand applied baccalaureate degrees may only develop curriculum and design and deliver courses subject to available funding.

The bill includes an appropriation of $500,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, from the general fund to SBCTC for start-up and planning funds for two applied baccalaureate degree programs at community and technical colleges.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Requires the statewide director for math, science, and technology to work with SBCTC rather than individual colleges. Selected colleges for the new high-demand applied baccalaureate degrees may only develop curriculum and design and deliver courses subject to available funding.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute as Heard in Committee: PRO: We need to create a STEM pathway for students from middle school to high school and college. Currently, six colleges are applying to offer applied baccalaureate programs and waiting for funding now. Thirteen have been approved, and 36 programs are waiting to be developed. The demand is great. The community and technical colleges (CTC) system has an open-door policy and lower tuition that appeals to middle-and lower-income students. Industry needs more science majors and engineers. We need places for students who have gone through pre-engineering studies. Washington took a step forward by authorizing CTCs to offer baccalaureate degrees. STEM programs are expensive because they require labs, equipment, and are hard to recruit faculty for. A small amount of funding will help launch programs. Start-up costs are close to $250,000. However, not all programs with applied baccalaureate programs are STEM. Some communities have different needs.