Sec. 61.089. STATE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIRS. (a) The board shall conduct an annual state science and engineering fair as part of an outreach program for middle school, junior high school, and high school students to:

(1) promote an appreciation for and interest in science, mathematics, and engineering among middle school, junior high school, and high school students;

(2) assist schools and school districts in fulfilling their missions of science, mathematics, and engineering education; and

(3) promote workforce development in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering by providing students with an opportunity to interact with higher education and corporate institutions.

(b) The board may contract with public or private entities to conduct the state fair.

(c) The board shall coordinate the state fair with local and regional science and engineering fairs held in this state.

(d) The board shall adopt rules for the organization and operation of the state fair and shall select the participants in the fair.

(e) The board may use general revenue funds appropriated for that purpose and any gifts, grants, and donations to conduct the state fair. The amount of general revenue funds appropriated for that purpose in a state fiscal year may not exceed $10,000 or the total amount of money received as gifts, grants, or donations, whichever amount is less.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 562, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 61.088 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(36), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.