[§304A-1861]  Fostering inspiration andrelevance through science and technology pre-academy program; established. (a)  There is established within the University of Hawaii, the fosteringinspiration and relevance through science and technology pre-academy program,which shall be administered by the University of Hawaii college ofengineering.  The mission of the fostering inspiration and relevance throughscience and technology pre‑academy program shall be, with respect tomiddle schools, to provide additional resources and expertise for thedepartment of education to stimulate the interest and achievement of studentsin science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills.

To achieve its mission, the fosteringinspiration and relevance through science and technology pre-academy programshall house and provide direction for the robotics and problem-based, appliedlearning program under section 304A-1862 and the research experiences for teachersprogram under section 304A-1863.

(b)  The goals of the pre-academy program shallbe to:

(1)  Serve students between fourth and eighth grades,with problem-based, applied learning experiences in science, technology,engineering, and mathematics-related skills in a manner that complements theacademic program at public high schools; and

(2)  Motivate and engage students in science,technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.

(c)  The pre-academy program shall encouragepartnerships with other relevant programs within the University of Hawaiisystem, department of education, project EAST (environmental and spatialtechnology) program, and appropriate public and private agencies, to establisha program of problem-based, applied learning for elementary and middle schoolstudents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. School participation in the fostering inspiration and relevance through scienceand technology pre-academy programs shall be voluntary.

(d)  The fostering inspiration and relevancethrough science and technology pre-academy program shall support development ofadditional problem-based, applied learning projects and summer science,technology, engineering, and mathematics programs for middle school teachers. For additional problem-based, applied learning projects, priority shall bedetermined in collaboration with participating teachers.  Areas may includeglobal positioning system technology, ocean science, astronomy, earth scienceand wireless communications technology, conservation biology, and otherscience, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills-stimulating subjectsas appropriate.

(e)  The fostering inspiration and relevancethrough science and technology pre-academy program shall develop programevaluation measures to ensure that all programs conducted under the pre‑academyprogram are contributing to the advancement of science, technology,engineering, and mathematics academics in the elementary and middle schoolsthrough research. [L 2007, c 111, pt of §11]