DECATUR, IL… State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) issued the following statement after her bill, HB 2801 was signed by the Governor:
“As a marine biologist and science teacher, I want to encourage our youth to explore the industries of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, as we desperately need individuals in these core fields,” said Rep. Deering. “This legislation allows students to explore the many different career industries our great state has to offer and to be better prepared when leaving high school and entering the workforce or continuing their education. I am pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law and thank my colleagues for ensuring it was passed.”
The new law requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to create a public form and place it on its website for organizations to submit various Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) related opportunities, such as internships, externships, and volunteer work. ISBE is tasked with designing and providing a standardized submission form for organizations to use and then must review and approve all submissions before publicizing them. Once ISBE has approved all the submissions, the opportunities will be posted on its website and then shared with all school districts annually.
The law requires the form to be created and posted by July 1st, 2026. Beginning on July 1st, 2027, and every July 1st after that, ISBE must compile and publish a report on its website listing the total number of organizations that submitted opportunities for high school students the previous year, designated by career areas.
For more information, please contact Rep. Deering at (217) 876-1968 or visit RepDeering.com.
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