1. The Advisory Council on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics created by NRS 223.640 shall:

(a) Develop a strategic plan for the development of educational resources in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to serve as a foundation for workforce development, college preparedness and economic development in this State;

(b) Develop a plan for identifying and awarding recognition to pupils in this State who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics;

(c) Develop a plan for identifying and awarding recognition to schools in this State that demonstrate exemplary performance in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics;

(d) Conduct a survey of education programs and proposed programs relating to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in this State and in other states to identify recommendations for the implementation of such programs by public schools and institutions of higher education in this State and report the information gathered by the survey to the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada;

(e) Apply for grants on behalf of the State of Nevada relating to the development and expansion of education programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics;

(f) Identify a nonprofit corporation to assist in the implementation of the plans developed pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c);

(g) Prepare a written report which includes, without limitation, recommendations based on the survey conducted pursuant to paragraph (d) and any other recommendations concerning the instruction and curriculum in courses of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in public schools in this State and, on or before January 31 of each odd-numbered year, submit a copy of the report to the State Board of Education, the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada, the Governor and the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislature;

(h) Conduct surveys for and make recommendations as deemed necessary to the Office of Economic Development and the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board; and

(i) Appoint a subcommittee on computer science consisting of at least three members to provide advice and recommendations to:

(1) The State Board of Education, the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools, the boards of trustees of school districts and the governing bodies of charter schools and university schools for profoundly gifted pupils concerning the curriculum and materials for courses in computer science and computer education and technology and professional development for teachers who teach such courses; and

(2) The Commission on Professional Standards in Education concerning the qualifications for licensing teachers and other educational personnel who teach courses in computer science or computer education and technology.

2. Each year the Council:

(a) Shall establish an event in southern Nevada and an event in northern Nevada to recognize pupils in this State who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

(b) Shall establish a statewide event to recognize schools in this State that have demonstrated exemplary performance in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

(c) May accept any gifts, grants or donations from any source for use in carrying out the provisions of this subsection.

3. The Council or a subcommittee of the Council may seek the input, advice and assistance of persons and organizations that have knowledge, interest or expertise relevant to the duties of the Council.

4. The State Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Nevada shall consider the plans developed by the Advisory Council on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of subsection 1 and the written report submitted pursuant to paragraph (g) of subsection 1. The State Board of Education shall adopt such regulations as the State Board deems necessary to carry out the recommendations in the written report.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 1011; A 2015, 2828, 2830; 2017, 4344; 2019, 3095) — (Substituted in revision for NRS 385.705)