(2) The STEM Investment Council shall evaluate grant applications and make recommendations on the applications to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Education shall distribute moneys for the grant program and otherwise administer the grant program.

(3)(a) An application for a grant awarded under this section may be submitted by:

(A) A school district;

(B) A community college district;

(C) A public university;

(D) The Department of Education;

(E) The Higher Education Coordinating Commission;

(F) Any other state agency; or

(G) Any combination of entities identified in this paragraph that are organized as a partnership or a regional effort to improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

(b) A grant awarded under this section may be used for:

(A) Classroom or extracurricular activities that further the development of skills related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics; or

(B) A project that is related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics and that involves collaboration with a private entity.

(4) When evaluating applications for a grant, the council:

(a) Shall give priority to applications for activities or projects that produce the largest impact at the lowest cost or for the greatest number of students throughout this state, including grants for activities or projects that:

(A) Are determined by the council to be likely to become self-supporting within three years;

(B) Expand evidence-based, effective practices in science, technology, engineering or mathematics;

(C) Can be replicated by other entities in this state;

(D) Show evidence of attracting matching funds;

(E) If the applicant is an entity identified in subsection (3)(a)(A) to (C) of this section, have demonstrable support from the governing body of the entity;

(F) Help improve access by underrepresented groups to activities that involve science, technology, engineering or mathematics; or

(G) Are elements of a partnership or a regional effort to improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering or mathematics;

(b) May give priority to applications for activities or projects that benefit students in more than one student group among students in kindergarten through grade 12, students in community colleges and students in universities;

(c) Shall attempt to achieve a balance, as determined by the council, among grants that are awarded for the sole benefit of students in kindergarten through grade 12, students in community colleges and students in universities; and

(d) Shall take into consideration geographic and demographic diversity. [2013 c.739 §7; 2013 c.739 §8; 2015 c.366 §§76,77; 2015 c.767 §§100,101]

Note: 327.380 and 327.385 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 327 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.