STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009

Floor Speech

STEM EDUCATION COORDINATION ACT OF 2009 -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 09, 2009)

* Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I add my support of House Resolution 1709, providing for the creation of a committee under the National Science and Technology Council to coordinate federal programs in support of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. This legislation will synchronize programs at the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Energy and Education--all organizations with a vested interest in the promotion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. This committee will provide a forum for our federal agencies to coordinate STEM activities and determine new ways to advertise programs to elementary and secondary students, eliminating two large roadblocks in the promotion of programs already provided by these agencies. I commend my colleague Representative Bart Gordon, for bringing this important measure before the House.

* As a former teacher and Head Start coordinator, I fully understand the importance of all proposals that extend the reach of education among the youth of our country. In Fiscal Year 2010, I requested funding for the African-American Male Achievers Network to provide students access to year-round technology enrichment activities and opportunities to explore STEM related education and career paths. This funding has the potential to the increase academic achievement of inner city students and decrease gang involvement and community violence. Furthermore, innovation is key to our economic competitiveness in the World. Under current trends, by the year 2010, more than 90 percent of engineers and scientists will be living outside of the U.S. and currently more than 50 percent of all engineering doctoral degrees awarded by American engineering colleges are to foreign nationals. We have a pressing need to cultivate the next generation of science and mathematically oriented Americans by providing them access to the vast resources that our federal agencies can provide.

* Madam Speaker, this measure is quite important to the future of our great country and I'm pleased to add my voice in support for this legislation. I plan to work with my colleagues to ensure that future American engineers and scientists have the resources have the capability and resources to innovate and create technologies.

END

Source