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REP. SCHWEIKERT: SUPPORT NEEDED TO PROMOTE STEM EDUCATION

Washington D.C., January 9, 2014– Rep. David Schweikert issued the following statement today on testimony from the private sector about initiatives to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in schools.  The testimony was given during a hearing of a subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology:

“Today we heard about the efforts of the private sector and individuals that are making a positive impact in engaging students in math and sciences. It is evident from the testimony today, that these programs are highly effective in fostering youth education on many levels beyond just the nuts and bolts of technology.

But we also heard that American schools lag in offering computer science and other courses that our students need to be competitive in the global economy. When US students rank 26^th in math and 21^st in science despite an education spending level that is significantly higher than higher-ranking global peers, it is clear that simply throwing money at the problem is not the solution.”

"Our students and the future generation of this country need to be shown not only the benefit of developing high-value skill-sets, but of the intrigue and excitement around the areas of science and engineering. We need to ensure that schools are leveraging the programs that are out there while we in Congress look at what we can do to remove barriers to STEM education in the K-12 system and spur discussion on how to incent students to participate.”

More information on today’s hearing can be found on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee website.
 

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