Synopsis:

Synopsis: The Pupil Centered Funding Plan was implemented during the 81st Legislative session. The Legislature declared that the proper objective of state financial aid to public education is to ensure each Nevada child a reasonably equal educational opportunity. Recognizing wide local variations in wealth and costs per pupil, this state should supplement local financial ability to whatever extent necessary in each school district to provide programs of instruction in both compulsory and elective subjects that offer full opportunity for every Nevada child to receive the benefit of the purposes for which public schools are maintained. Therefore, the quintessence of the state's financial obligation for such programs are now expressed in a formula that provides a certain basic and level of support to each pupil in this state, adjusted to account for variation in the local costs to provide a reasonably equal educational opportunity to pupils and for the costs of providing a reasonably equal educational opportunity to pupils with certain additional educational needs.

Synopsis: This budget account provides resources for the Department of Education, local school districts, and charter schools to attract, prepare, train, recruit, develop, and retain teachers, principals, and other school leaders to ensure that all students have access to effective, high-quality, and experienced educators. Federal dollars support allowable activities as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and General Fund appropriations are used for review and evaluation of traditional and alternative route to licensure preparation programs as well as development, implementation, and monitoring of the statewide performance evaluation system known as the Nevada Educator Performance Framework in accordance with state law. The Teachers and Leaders Council is also included in this budget account. Authority: NRS 391.038 and 391.039, NRS 391.450 - 391.485, 20 USC 2101 - 2103 et seq. NRS 391.490-391.496.

Synopsis: NRS 385.357, passed by the 19th (2003) Special Session of the Nevada State Legislature, requires all public schools in Nevada to develop plans to improve the achievement of students. The plans are to identify problem areas that need to be addressed as well as strategies to be used to help students be successful. Statutory Authority: NRS 387.031 and 385.357.

Synopsis: The Grant Fund for Incentives for Licensed Educational Personnel is administered by the department. The Board of Trustees of each school district in Nevada is required to establish a program of incentive pay for licensed teachers, school psychologists, school librarians, school counselors, and administrators employed at the school level, which are designed to attract and retain those employees. This budget contains the funding for remaining provisions of the 1/5th retirement credit purchase program. Personnel participating in the 1/5th purchase program in fiscal year 2007 could elect to continue until they had received five 1/5th credit purchases, at which time they would be eligible to participate in the incentive program mentioned above. NRS 391.A, previously NRS 391.165

Synopsis: This program provides funding, as recommended by the Statewide Council for the Coordination of Regional Training Programs, to the three regional training programs established by NRS 391A.100-391A.205 and charged with the professional development of teachers and administrators. Funds are distributed to each program's fiscal agent, a local school district in the region served. Statutory Authority: NRS 391A.120-391A.205

Synopsis: The Contingency Account for Special Education Services allows the state to reimburse school districts and charters schools for extraordinary program expenses and related services which are not ordinarily present in the typical special education service and delivery system at a public school, are associated with the implementation of an individualized education program of a pupil with significant disabilities and the costs of which exceed the total funding available to the school district or charter school for the pupil. Statutory Authority: NRS 388.5243

Synopsis: The Account for Alternative Schools provides leadership, support, and monitoring of private schools in Nevada to ensure they meet the requirements outlined in NRS 394 and NAC 394. This includes provisions related to initial private school licensure and license renewal, annual documentation related to enrollment, staffing, Opportunity Scholarships, and emergency plans for private schools across the state.

Synopsis: The Office of the Superintendent is responsible for the administration of the provisions of law relating to the jurisdiction, duties, and functions of the Department of Education and leads the system of PreK-12 public education in the state. This includes collaborating with the Nevada State Board of Education to lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Statewide Plan for Improvement of Pupils, as well as prepare an annual report of the state of public education in Nevada. NRS 385; NRS 385.010; NRS 385.175; NRS 385.230

Synopsis: The department must establish and maintain standards for the core academic content areas and the performance indicators and possible courses of study. Department staff coordinates the monitoring and technical support of school district and the regional professional development programs implementation of the standards through the approval of primary instructional materials that align and support the standards and are approved by the Nevada State Board of Education. Statutory Authority: NRS 389.0185, NRS 389.520, NRS 390.140

Synopsis: The Department of Education administers career and technical education programs that meet the requirements of the Nevada State Plan for Career and Technical Education (CTE). The plan is based on the needs of students within the state and serves as the application for the federal funds authorized by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). The primary mission of the federal program is to develop and improve CTE programs, focusing on high quality programs aligned to economic and workforce development priorities of the state. Authority: NRS 388.340, 388.360(3), Perkins V

Synopsis: The Nevada State Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) (NVGU) application is a collaborative effort among the Nevada Department of Education (NDE), Office of the Governor, Office of the State Treasurer, and diverse stakeholders, including parents/families, students, agency representatives, businesses and non-profit organizations. As lead agency and fiscal agent, the NDE will direct the project implementation with its partners, including the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), Nevada School Districts and the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships. NVGU programming empowers low-income and historically underrepresented students to do well academically in middle and high school, enroll in rigorous and relevant classes, graduate high school and enter college as a natural extension of their education. Activities for students include mentoring; tutoring; career exploration, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities and enrichment; educational field trips; financial literacy/financial aid workshops; and parent/family involvement. NVGU will develop a framework and strategies in GEAR UP middle and high schools for the implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act based on best practices and Nevada College Readiness Standards. During the 2020-2026 grant period, NVGU will serve approximately 4,631 students per year and will operate statewide in eleven middle schools and nine high schools located in northern and southern Nevada school districts, as well as in academic outreach programs located at Nevada's two universities. The program will serve students beginning in the sixth grade through their first year in college at the seven NSHE Public Institutions of Higher Learning. The project schools are located in four of the 17 Nevada school districts.

Synopsis: The Continuing Education account is funded through the federal Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The purpose of the act is to provide adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) services in order to assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; to assist adults in the completion of secondary school education; and to assist adults who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the education of their children. Funds are granted to eligible educational and community-based organizations on a competitive basis to carry out the purpose of the act. Students enrolled in the programs must be over 16 years of age, must not have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and must be withdrawn from high school and not required to be in a school. A federally required 25% match is partially met by state funding for instruction; the local instructional programs contribute the balance of the match. Authority: P.L. 105-220. Workforce Investment Act, Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act; NRS 387.1233.

Synopsis: The Nevada Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) was established in 1959 as a participating member of the multi-state Western Regional Education Compact comprised of 16 western states and territories. The agency operates two programs, both of which provide tuition assistance to individuals studying various allied health professions in exchange for employment commitments upon graduation. Employment commitments serve as a tool to increase Nevada's health profession workforce.

Synopsis: This budget account funds several testing programs, each described below, mandated by the Legislature and administered by the Department of Education. The budget account is primarily funded by the General Fund appropriations. The 2001 Legislature provided funds to support a contract with a nationally recognized testing company for the development, printing, scoring, and reporting of the Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRTs) in grades 3-8 (NRS 390.105). Using the CRT program for purposes of school accountability is required for Federal Title I compliance and by NRS 385. As per NRS 390.105 and US PL 114-95, examinations measuring proficiency and achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics are to be administered in grades 3-8. These same laws require administration of examinations measuring proficiency and achievement in science in grades 5, 8, and high school prior to grade 11. As per NRS 390.610, a College and Career Readiness assessment is required. This assessment also fulfills the requirement of US PL 114-95 to measure proficiency and achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics in high school. Established in the 2015 Legislative session and updated in 2019, NRS 388.157 requires the assessment of all kindergarten through third grade students reading ability via a valid and reliable assessment selected by the State Board of Education. This assessment is to be developed, scored, and reported by a nationally recognized testing company according to NRS 390.105. Academic Standards Council provides funding to support operational costs in support of the Council to Establish Academic Standards for Public Schools. The Academic Standards Council has been designated through NRS 390.115 as the sole entity within the state responsible for the establishment, periodic review, and prioritization of content and performance standards in the subject areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, computer and technology education, health, and physical education. Funding for the Student Accountability Information in Nevada data system and the public facing Report Card required by NRS 385 are part of this budget account. This state reporting system captures students via unique identifications and tracks their progress through the education system, including their test results on the above-mentioned tests. Statutory authority: NRS Chapter 387, NRS Chapter 390; 2001 17th Special Session Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 13.

Synopsis: Provides categorical educational funding as follows: 12 SB 453 CHARTER SCHOOLS - Augments charter schools funding for schools identified to receive less funding under the Pupil Centered Funding plan. 25 JOBS FOR AMERICA'S GRADUATES - Helps students graduate, teaches workplace readiness skills, provides employment support services, and assists enrollment in post-secondary education or the military for high school graduates. 33 DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM - Funds a dual language immersion pilot program. 44 PUBLIC BROADCASTING - Subgranted to public broadcasting stations to promote educational, informational, and cultural needs of Nevada communities. 49 EDUCATION LEADERSHIP - Funds leadership personnel development to prepare school leaders to be successful in their expanded management duties. 78 AB580-SEC 82-CTE PROGRAMS - Subgranted to school districts and charter schools to support Career and Technical Education programs. 80 ADULT EDUCATION - Subgranted to school districts to support adult standard high school diploma courses of study.

Synopsis: Anti-Bullying Grants provide opportunities for districts and schools to apply for evidence based interventions and support programs, initiatives, and frameworks for anti-bullying, social and emotional, and positive behavior. NRS 388.100-135

Synopsis: This fully fee-funded budget account provides for all activities of the Offices of Educator Licensure and also includes the budget for the Commission on Professional Standards in Education. This budget account also funds the fingerprint clearance and background check processes; investigation of public and employer complaints of misconduct; and the statutorily mandated tracking, facilitation, and reporting of the licensure discipline process by the State Board of Education. Additionally, the Online Portal for Applications and Licensure (OPAL) is supported by this budget. OPAL will also allow for adherence to mandated data collection and reporting regarding the inequitable distribution of fully-certified, experienced, and effective educators serving all students in accordance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Authority: NRS 391.031 - NRS 391.051; NRS 391.053 - NRS 391.059; NRS 391.320 - NRS 391.161; Assembly Bills 7, 77, and 362 (2017) and Senate Bill 287 (2017) NRS 385.175; NRS 385A.430 - NRS 385A.440.

Synopsis: NRS 385.630 establishes the Office of Parental Involvement and Family Engagement in the department; NRS 385.610 establishes the Advisory Council for Family Engagement. This account provides support for the engagement of families and communities in the education process by reviewing, evaluating, and expanding effective practices and programs implemented by the school districts and public schools.

Synopsis: The State Public Charter School Authority provides loans at or below market rate to charter schools for the costs incurred in preparing a charter school to commence its first year of operations and to improve the operations of existing charter schools. The lack of low-cost financing or other capital to support the operations of new and existing charter schools presents a significant hurdle to expanding and improving the quality of Nevada's charter schools. Statutory Authority: NRS 388A.432 - 388A.438.

Synopsis: The goal of the Office of Early Learning and Development is to coordinate birth through 3rd grade state level work to improve the access and quality of early childhood education programs across a variety of settings. The focus is building strong connections between learning experiences across these critical years. This approach necessitates that educational standards, curricula, assessment, instruction, and professional development are strongly aligned across programs starting in infancy through 3rd grade. Authority: NRS 387.652 - 387.658 Grants for Prekindergarten Programs 42 USC 9801 et seq. and 9858, et seq., Executive Order #2013-16

Synopsis: The purpose of the COVID19 Funding Account is to administer funding received in accordance with the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), and the Education Stabilization Fund Program-Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER).

Synopsis: The State Public Charter School Authority was created by Senate Bill 212 of the 2011 Legislative Session and authorized the formation of charter schools and provided provisions for the oversight of those schools. Statutory Authority: NRS 388A.010 - 388A.547.

Synopsis: Indian Education is under the Office of Inclusive Education, yet because the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides support to students and schools deemed at risk, and to those students who live in poverty, as well as Native American Indians, it is intended to be continued and supported and monitored under ESEA under the direction of Indian Education. "Title I-C, Migrant Education Program (MEP): The MEP is a state-administered program authorized by Part C of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. It is a federal formula grant funded to the State Education Agency (SEA). A migratory child is defined as the child who has a parent, spouse or guardian working as a migratory agricultural worker or a migratory fisher, is not older than 21 years old, entitled to a free public education or below the age of compulsory school attendance, moved within 36 months in seek, obtain, accompany or join the migratory agricultural worker, migratory fisher or other move(s) identified as a qualified move."

Synopsis: Literacy and proficiency in English language arts are key components of public education standards and expectations for all students. This account receives both state and federal dollars for literacy programs and includes staff, programs, and related costs to improve reading proficiency across all grades. Authority: NRS Chapter 389 generally; US FY2005 Appropriations Act under Title I, 42 USC 2701, et seq.

Synopsis: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides funding to states through the United States Department of Education. The grants are designed to assist states to provide Free and Appropriate Public Education, special education, and related services, in the least restrictive environment. The services are provided to improve inclusive practices, use of technology, student performance on statewide assessments including alternate assessments; transition from early intervention programs; behavioral success; graduation and drop-out rates; post-secondary outcomes; recruitment, retention, and professional development of special education personnel. Authority: 20 USC 1400 et seq.

Synopsis: The department maintains an automated system of accountability information and a statewide student information system to provide transparency to the public, make longitudinal analyses, satisfy state and federal reporting requirements, and assist in the improvement of student achievement, classroom instruction, and educator performance. This budget includes funding for staff, vendor services, data system operations, all related system hardware and software, and general administrative expenses. Statutory authority: NRS 386.650

Synopsis: The Teach Nevada Scholarship Program was created in the 2015 Legislative Session through Senate Bill 511 and modified in 2017 through Senate Bill 544, continuing funding with Senate Bill 555 (2019). The purpose of the program is to provide grants to universities, colleges and providers of alternative licensure programs to award scholarships to students entering teaching programs. Scholarships may be awarded to a recipient in an amount not to exceed $3,000 per semester or $24,000 in the aggregate. Programs will be awarded 75% of each scholarship granted by the state board and will disburse funds in the amount of student tuition costs at the beginning of each semester. The state board shall hold the remaining 25% in an account for distribution to the recipient upon program completion and after teaching in a Nevada public school for five consecutive years.

Synopsis: This budget account is designed to fund staff and operating expenditures for the allocation of state and federal funds to the school districts, including those relating to the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan, class-size reduction, full-day kindergarten, and special education. In addition, this budget account includes support for state and federal grant monitoring functions, as well as state auditing functions.

Synopsis: This budget account funds staff and operating expenditures to oversee the development and monitoring of budget accounts that support the department and its programs. In addition, all finance-related duties, including personnel and payroll functions, are supported through this budget account. Staff and operating expenditures for the provision of information technology services to department staff are maintained through this account.

Synopsis: The Office of Safe and Respectful Learning Environments is responsible to monitor compliance and support school districts with applicable school and student safety laws inclusive of behavioral and physical health. This office will establish programs of training to improve school climate and prevent, identify, and report incidents of bullying and cyber-bullying, school safety reporting, suicide prevention, and restorative/discipline practices. In addition, this office will implement and monitor the SafeVoice and Handle with Care Programs, and support districts in their planning for emergency management, social emotional learning, tiered systems of support, and Discipline/Restorative Practices Plans. NRS 388.121-145 (Climate and School Safety), NRS 388.229-266 (Emergency/Crisis Management), NRS 392.420-455 (health and safety) and NRS 392.461-472 (Behavior and Discipline)

Synopsis: The Special Projects account contains programs not directly related to any of the other Nevada System of Higher Education appropriations. These funds are used as required cost share on research and public service grants with a science, technology, engineering and math component and to support administration of those grants. The major projects include the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) funded by the National Science Foundation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. There is future potential for Department of Energy and Department of Defense projects. The goal of EPSCoR is to stimulate sustainable improvements in the quality of academic science, research workforce, economic development and technology infrastructure of eligible states.

Synopsis: The 1995 Legislative Session created the Trust Account for the Education of Dependent Children. To qualify, a student must be a dependent child of a public safety officer who was killed in the line of duty, or any other public employee who was killed in the performance of his or her duties. The fund shall pay all registration fees, laboratory fees, and expenses for required textbooks and course material assessed against or incurred by the dependent child under the age of 23 for classes taken in satisfaction of requirements of an undergraduate degree at a school within the System. The Board of Regents administers the account. Statutory Authority: NRS 396.545.

Synopsis: Founded in 1874 as Nevada's land-grant university, the University of Nevada, Reno is driven to provide a better future to the citizens of Nevada by contributing a culture of student success, world-improving research, and outreach that enhances communities and businesses. The University is organized into Colleges of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; Business; Education; Engineering; Liberal Arts, and Science. It also consists of the Reynolds School of Journalism and Health Science schools, encompassing the University of Nevada School of Medicine, School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and Orvis School of Nursing. As an "R1" institution, classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the University extends outreach and education to all Nevada counties through the Nevada Cooperative Extension, Nevada Small Business Development Centers, and the School of Medicine.

Synopsis: The fully accredited University of Nevada School of Medicine provides a four-year instructional program in all biomedical and clinical sciences necessary for granting the Doctor of Medicine degree. The school is based in Reno for biomedical research, basic science instruction and early clinical skills training, with a majority of clinical teaching in the third and fourth years occurring in medical offices and hospitals.

Synopsis: The University of Nevada, Reno Intercollegiate Athletics Program is a member of the Mountain West Conference. The university fields teams in Football, Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Alpine Skiing, Women's Softball, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Volleyball, Track, and Cross Country. There are approximately 470 student-athletes competing in the various intercollegiate sports sponsored by the university.

Synopsis: The specialty centers within the University of Nevada, Reno provide a wide variety of research and public service functions in the areas of science, business, the environment, and information technology support. Activities specifically funded include: the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Seismology Laboratory, State Climatologist, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Basic Research Chemistry, Whittell Forest Research, Latino Research Center, KUNR Radio, Nevada Small Business Development Center, Nevada Industrial Excellence, Academy for the Environment, Vice President for Health Sciences, Information Technology, and the Office of Prospective Students.

Synopsis: The Board of Regents is established by the Nevada Constitution and statutorily endowed with the powers to provide direction and governance for all activities of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). The Board of Regents, in conjunction with the employees of the Chancellor's Office, provides direction and coordination for the various activities of the campuses and units of the NSHE. The Chancellor's Office includes functional areas of academic affairs, budget and financial planning/programming and legal counsel. Constitutional Authority: Article 11, Section 4 and NRS 396.

Synopsis: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is organized into the following Colleges and Schools: Academic Success Center, School of Integrated Health Sciences, Lee Business School, College of Education, Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, Honors College, Graduate College, College of Liberal Arts, College of Fine Arts, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, College of Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Public Health, and Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. The Colleges and Schools combine with various departments, divisions and programs to address the mission of the University.

Synopsis: The Intercollegiate Athletic Program offers a variety of team and individual sports for men and women with a commitment to the academic, athletic, and personal development of the student athlete.

Synopsis: This specialty center is the organized research arm of the University of Nevada, Reno, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources.

Synopsis: Nevada Cooperative Extension's mission is to discover, develop, disseminate, preserve, and use knowledge to strengthen the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Nevadans.

Synopsis: The System Computing Center (System Computing Services or SCS) runs NevadaNet, the Statewide education, research, and videoconferencing network, serving K12 school districts, community libraries, rural healthcare, Nevada Department of Corrections, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions, and other federal, state, and county agencies throughout Nevada. NevadaNet enables broadband expansion and digital equity solutions across the state. SCS provides the shared digital services that support all NSHE institutions, including student, human capital, and financial information systems and cybersecurity services.

Synopsis: The missions of the Boyd School of Law are to serve the State of Nevada and the nation by educating excellent and ethical future lawyers and leaders for our community and nation; producing high quality legal scholarship; participating in continuing education programs; providing a high-quality law library; helping to meet the need for legal services through clinical programs, externships, and pro bono services; and by providing a forum for the discussion of important public issues.

Synopsis: Great Basin College (GBC) serves ten of Nevada's most rural counties with the main campus in Elko and branch campuses in Battle Mountain, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca. In the fall of 1999, the college initiated a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. The Bachelor of Applied Science was implemented in the fall of 2001 and the Bachelor of Integrative and Professional Studies was implemented in the spring of 2002. Currently, GBC has over ten different baccalaureate degrees and several other degree programs are under consideration. Two-year degrees offered are the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of General Studies. Two-year Associate of Applied Science degrees are available in business administration, computer office technology, criminal justice, diesel technology, early childhood education, electrical/instrumentation technology, industrial plant maintenance, and welding technology. Distance education technology, such as two-way interactive video and online modes, are utilized extensively to deliver programs throughout the service area. Students can complete over 15 degrees entirely through online education. In addition, GBC offers a wide range of dual enrollment opportunities to high school students. The college has residential housing at the Elko campus for approximately 200 students.

Synopsis: The Nevada Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) carries out the goals and objectives as provided for by the Nevada WICHE Commission and the WICHE multistate regional compact. The agency operates two programs, both of which provide tuition assistance to individuals studying various allied health professions in exchange for employment commitments upon graduation. Employment commitments serve as a tool to increase Nevada's health profession workforce.

Synopsis: The University Press is organized as a public service arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education to make a contribution to the history and literature of Nevada and the Western United States; stimulate scholarly research and writing by faculty members; and enhance the academic reputation of the system on the national scene.

Synopsis: The specialty centers within the University of Nevada, Las Vegas provide a wide variety of research and public service functions in the areas of education, economics, the sciences, and the cultural environment of Nevada and the western United States.

Synopsis: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (SDM) came into existence when key political, academic, and health leaders, committed to addressing the state's shortage of dentists - particularly in rural areas - and the lack of oral health access for lower socioeconomic groups. The school was charged with preparing socially aware, clinically skilled dentists to address oral health needs in Nevada. The vision for the SDM is to provide world-class oral health education while providing for the dental needs of Nevada residents. The SDM has continually sought to provide excellence in patient-centered clinical care, patient education, and statewide community outreach programs.

Synopsis: This specialty center of the Nevada System of Higher Education provides payroll, personnel, and purchasing services for the System Administration, School of Medical Science, University of Nevada-Reno, Great Basin College, Western Nevada Community College, Truckee Meadows Community College, Desert Research Institute, Cooperative Extension Service, Agricultural Experiment Station, System Computing Center, and the University Press.

Synopsis: The Business Center South is a specialty center of the Nevada System of Higher Education that provides business services for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada State College, and related assistance to the College of Southern Nevada.

Synopsis: Nevada State College (NSC) is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education and exists to deliver high-quality degrees for the new majority. NSC boldly defines the new majority as first-generation students, adult learners, students of color, Dreamers, immigrants, and anyone looking for the opportunity to improve their economic mobility. NSC's purpose is to create and expand the new majority's participation in higher education, while at the same time, increasing income mobility and wealth for all Nevadans. NSC acts with intention to design, redesign, and reinvent its campus as necessary to break down historic barriers that prevent learning. NSC does this by focusing on great teaching, transformative student experiences, empowering employees, and creating strategic alliances that advance our mission. NSC offers a wide range of baccalaureate programs and select master's programs designed to meet the general needs of the state. NSC will continue to be a community where anyone can belong.

Synopsis: In 1959, the Nevada State Legislature created the Desert Research Institute (DRI) as a Division of the University of Nevada specifically devoted to conducting research. DRI became an autonomous Division of the University and Community College System of Nevada in 1969. From its beginnings, DRI has functioned as a nonprofit research campus uniquely blending academia with entrepreneurship. Approximately 500 research faculty and support staff generate more than $35 million in research revenue each year with approximately 85 percent coming from the federal government or commercial entities. Research projects and programs are supported from the main campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, with an additional specialized laboratory in Boulder City, Nevada. DRI's environmental research programs are directed from three core divisions (Atmospheric Sciences, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences and Hydrologic Sciences) as well as interdisciplinary science centers. Grounded in fundamental research, DRI provides both sponsors and clients with innovative solutions to pressing environmental problems, balancing the need to develop resources while sustaining the environment.

Synopsis: Founded in 1971, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) primarily serves Clark County by providing educational and supporting services to address the social and economic needs of the community. Traditional and online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, certificates of achievement and selected skills certificates are offered in liberal arts as well as career and technical areas. Transfer agreements with the universities and the state college provide students with advanced learning opportunities. Additionally, the college works with the region's businesses and industry sectors to develop and facilitate training programs to meet the needs of southern Nevada's workforce.

Synopsis: Western Nevada College (WNC) serves approximately 5,000 students each year across a 12,015 square mile service area as well as online. The college has campuses in Carson City, Minden, and Fallon, and maintains educational sites in Fernley, Yerington, and Hawthorne. WNC offers workforce and university transfer programs, non-credit and developmental programs coupled with a variety of student support services to help students succeed.

Synopsis: The Performance Funding Pool for instructional budgets was implemented during the 2013 Legislative Session. The Performance Funding Pool is a General Fund appropriation carve out of existing funding that started in fiscal year 2015 and was set at 5% in the first year then incrementally increases by 5 percent each year for four fiscal years, until it was capped at 20% in fiscal year 2018.

Synopsis: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine's vision is to create a world-class center of excellence and innovation for medical education, patient care, and research that prepares Nevada's physicians with the most advanced knowledge, treatments, and technologies while serving the health care needs of our diverse urban community. The UNLV School of Medicine welcomed its first class in Fall 2017.

Synopsis: The Legislature approved $41.5 million of funding for the state's portion of the construction of a new Engineering Building at the University of Nevada, Reno (CIP Project 17-C06). University of Nevada, Reno Engineering Building facilitates research in the materials science and engineering, chemical, biomedical and mechanical engineering. The 10,000-square-foot William N. Pennington Engineering Building includes 40 laboratories, a Class 100 cleanroom, a large computer lab, a 200-student classroom and 150 graduate workstations.

Synopsis: The Silver State Opportunity Grant is a need-based financial aid program established, pursuant to Senate Bill 227 of 2015 Legislature, to provide grants to pay a portion of the cost of education for eligible students enrolled in a state or community college within the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Synopsis: The Prison Education Program was established, pursuant to Senate Bill 306 by the 2017 Legislature, to create a two-year postsecondary education program for inmates who are nearing release from Nevada prisons. The program provides higher education and workforce readiness opportunities for program participants with the goal of increasing their future employability.

Synopsis: Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is a comprehensive community college located in Reno and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. TMCC offers a variety of services with programs designed for academic university transfer, career and technical education, high school dual credit, workforce development, adult basic education, outreach and specialized training programs. Today, the college serves more than 25,000 students each year in credit and non-credit programs at five educational sites and more than 20 community locations in Reno/Sparks area and nearby communities.

Synopsis: The Capacity Building Enhancement budget is used to build capacity system-wide and support workforce growth and economic development. Each institution provided a five-year plan for developing and sustaining capacity for programs that align with the state's workforce and economic development needs.

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Synopsis: The Health Laboratory and Research provides accurate and timely services for the protection of the health of Nevada's residents and visitors through research into the causes and dissemination of diseases, diagnosis of communicable disease outbreaks, surveillance for emerging infectious diseases and environmental contaminants, as well as integration into state and national health policies/networks for public health promotion and education.