2014 -- H 7412

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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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 FOR THE JASON PROJECT

     Introduced By: Representatives Serpa, Ackerman, Finn, Marcello, and Fellela

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2014

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, The Jason Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by

University of Rhode Island Professor Robert D. Ballard in 1989; and

     WHEREAS, The Jason Project is designed to help teachers develop their 21st century

teaching skills while learning to use JASON curricula with their students. Currently, the Jason

Project serves approximately 1,000 students and teachers across the state with its after-school

initiative, known as Immersion Learning, and has established a panoply of educational goals and

strategies to engage students in the areas of science, technology, and literacy, as well as help

teachers to motivate students, integrate technology into lesson plans, and more effectively

manage their classrooms; and

     WHEREAS Working in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island, the National

Geographic Society, the Sea Research Foundation, the Mystic Aquarium, the Cal Ripken, Sr.

Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Rhode Island, the Jason Project seeks to

implement the internationally recognized STEM program in Cumberland, East Greenwich,

Portsmouth, Johnston, Lincoln, Scituate, South Kingstown, and Tiverton; and

     WHEREAS, In order to significantly expand the implementation of STEM, the Jason

Project is requesting $500,000 for a public/private partnership. The funding will be used as

follows:

     • Certification of Lead Teachers, including stipends for involvement, $35,000;

     • Grants to schools and organizations for program implementation, $185,000;

     • Training for Educators and Youth Workers, $50,000;

     • Curriculum for schools and after-school programs; $80,000;

     • Scientist mentoring via URI Inner Space Center, $150,000; and

     WHEREAS, State investment will be matched by $1.5 million in private support

including complimentary admission to Mystic Aquarium for participating students; and

     WHEREAS, The project's goal is to reach approximately 75 educators and 10,000

students in the first year of the program, for a net investment by the state of $50.00 per child; and

     WHEREAS, The Jason Project will focus on low and moderate-income level students, as

determined by Title 1 eligibility, and will specifically address the achievement gap among low

and moderate-income students in Title 1 communities; and

     WHEREAS, Operating in all 50 states, the Jason Project makes a real difference for

participating youth and has had a significant impact on closing the achievement gap for many

students; now, therefore be it

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

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2014--2015, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars

($500,000) for the Jason Project to implement activities outlined within this resolution; and the

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

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

by him of 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 FOR THE JASON PROJECT

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 for the Jason

Project.

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