New Illinois Law Supports Student STEM Participation

SAVANNA — Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie sponsored House Bill 2802, signed into law last week, allowing students enrolled in STEM courses to take one excused absence per school year to participate in a STEM-related externship with school approval. The law also extends to programs such as 4-H and FFA, with the goal of encouraging educational and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and agriculture.