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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Lopez

DATE TYPED 02/12/05 HB

SHORT TITLE High School Math, Science & Engineering

SB 487

ANALYST Woods

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$250.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to the appropriation for the Commission on Higher Education in the General Appropria-

tions Act.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 487 – Making an Appropriation to Assist High School Students to Develop Expertise

in the Fields of Mathematics, Science and Engineering – appropriates $250,000 to the Commis-

sion on Higher Education for expenditure in FY06 to provide programs at various New Mexico

colleges and universities for high school students to develop expertise in the fields of mathemat-

ics, science and engineering. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of

FY06 shall revert to the general fund.

Significant Issues

CHE indicates this appropriation is to enhance support for the New Mexico MESA (Math, Engi-

neering and Science Achievement) program – which is presently funded through an annual ap-

Senate Bill 487 -- Page 2

propriation to CHE – that CHE administers through a grant to the New Mexico Institute of Min-

ing and Technology.

New Mexico MESA, a non-profit organization, is part of a national initiative promoting educa-

tional enrichment for pre-college students from historically under represented ethnic groups. It

prepares students for college majors and careers in mathematics, engineering, science and related

fields. Activities include tutoring; independent study; academic, university, and career counsel-

ing; field trips; competitions; leadership development; summer programs; and scholarship incen-

tives. The yearlong program works directly with school districts and institutions of higher educa-

tion. More than 5,000 elementary, middle and high school students from 29 districts and one

pueblo currently receive support through MESA activities (Eastern New Mexico University,

2005).

MESA has pioneered an academic model based on enrichment in mathematics and science, col-

lege preparation, career awareness and teacher professional development. This model also incor-

porates a dynamic partnership of academia, private industry, schools and teachers, parents and

community and provides critical support that facilitates student success. A high school student

exiting the program will have also achieved and experienced the following:

•

will score above the national norm in mathematics and science;

•

have the capability to assume leadership roles at college campuses;

•

will be academically competitive after completing four years of college prep mathemat-

ics, science and English;

•

complete plans to attend a four-year institution with a major in science,

engineering or mathematics;

•

will be acquainted and have interaction with high-tech professionals and scientists, thus

having more motivation to pursue a mathematics, science or technology based career; and

•

understand and utilize the various means of financing a college or university education

(University of Arizona, 2005).

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The $250,000 appropriation would be a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended

or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY06 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Commission on Higher Education will retain administrative oversight of this project.

CONFLICT, DUPLICATION, COMPANIONSHIP, RELATIONSHIP

Relates to the appropriation for CHE in the General Appropriations Act.

Senate Bill 487 -- Page 3

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Nationally, MESA serves as a mechanism for meeting the country’s need for a high tech work-

force and involves the following essential components:

•

MESA academic mathematics and science classes and Saturday Academies

Collaborative learning groups.

•

Peer to peer tutoring and mentoring across the grade levels.

•

Career exploration in business and industry in technology areas.

•

Student academic achievement plans based on strong counseling oriented toward meeting

the entrance requirements of four-year colleges and universities.

•

Parent, teacher and student leadership training.

•

Recognition and awards for academic achievement.

•

Field trips to colleges, industry sites, research laboratories, museums.

•

Assistance with applications for admission and financial aid for institutes of higher learn-

ing.

•

Intensive academic summer programs.

•

Summer internships and research opportunities.

•

Awarding of scholarships.

•

Teacher professional development.

Nationally, MESA notes the following with respect to its pre-college students:

•

49 percent complete advanced mathematics

•

43 percent complete physics

•

92 percent college attendance rate

•

75 percent, four-year college attendance rate

•

71 percent enrollment in mathematics and science fields of study

MESA produces approximately 12 percent of all under-represented engineers nationally (Univer-

sity of Arizona, 2005).

BFW/sb