SCS/SB 164 – This act establishes the Missouri Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative within the Department of Higher Education. Matching funds may be provided by the Department and the General Assembly to fund the programs described in the act. The Initiative will provide support to increase interest among K-12 students in science, technology, engineering, and math to increase the number of students who enter these fields at Missouri's public institutions of higher education. Programs that may be supported through the Initiative include: endowed teaching professor programs to support faculty; scholarship programs to provide financial aid and loan forgiveness to Missouri students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics areas, as described in the act; experiential youth programs at public colleges or universities; and career enhancement programs for current elementary and secondary teachers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields to improve teaching quality. This act is identical to HB 352 (2011) and SB 936 (2010). MICHAEL RUFF