The Ohio General Assembly demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to STEM education in the latest biennial budget – dedicating more than $200 million for STEM-related education initiatives within the Department of Education and Board of Regents. Signed in to law by Governor Strickland in June 2007, the budget, Am. Sub. H.B. 119, provides support for STEM initiatives across the Pre-K–16 education spectrum, building student and teacher capacity throughout the system.

The state's generous investment can be organized into the following key areas:

1. Developing STEM Schools and Programs of Excellence
   ($12,566,000 over the biennium)
2. Building student capacity in STEM through supplemental programs
   ($3,464,000 over the biennium)
3. Increasing the supply of STEM/Foreign Language secondary teachers
   ($26,900,000 over the biennium)
4. Enhancing STEM educator professional development
   ($9,291,078 over the biennium)
5. Attracting undergraduates into the STEM disciplines
   ($100,000,000 over the biennium)
6. Increasing the supply of renowned STEM scientists and researchers in higher education
   ($50,000,000 over the biennium)

A detailed description of the STEM education budget including how the funds will be distributed is outlined in Ohio's Commitment to STEM Education.