The Committee on Education and Public Works proposes the following amendment (LC-3863.WAB0001H):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2, by striking Section 13-1-2240(4) and inserting:

 (4) ensure the development of a South Carolina STEM workforce with better access to competitive employment opportunities and recognize the diverse pathways through which women and men may enter STEM fields including the consideration of nontraditional academic experiences, community-based learning, and career technical education;

Amend the bill further, SECTION 2, by striking Section 13-1-2240(13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), and (19) and inserting:

 (13) assist public school districts in developing and implementing a comprehensive merit-based plan to give all public school students equal access to STEM programs;
 (13)(14) promote business and industry involvement in the actions and activities of the coalition;
 (14)(15) develop and maintain a statewide database of STEM education assets;
 (15)(16) perform gap analysis and assessments to identify industry and business needs and the resulting requirements for teacher professional development activities and initiatives;
 (16)(17) support high quality professional learning focused on career readiness and talent development and provide other assistance for educators and students;
 (17)(18) engage business and industry in support of STEM activities for schools to enhance career readiness;
 (18)(19) develop and maintain statewide, regional, and national partnerships with not-for-profit, STEM missioned entities to promote STEM learning and career opportunities in underserved communities; and
 (20) create STEM career development programs to include leadership training, mentorship programs, and work-life balance initiatives to encourage male and female students in STEM fields;
 (21) foster the development of all female and male students in an environment that minimizes bias and harassment and encourages the merit-based development of all women and men; and
 (19)(20) annually before July first report appropriate outcomes and measures of the impact of the coalition to these entities:
  (a) the Office of the Governor through the Department of Employment and Workforce;
  (b) the State Superintendent of Education;
  (c) the General Assembly through the Senate Education Committee and the House Education and Public Works Committee;
  (d) the Education Oversight Committee; and
  (e) the advisory council.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.