Brooks & Polis Applaud Passage of STEM Education Act

Press Release

Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN) and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) released the following statement after the passage of the STEM Education Act in the United States House of Representatives:

"We're pleased the House of Representatives has recognized the importance of computer science by passing the STEM Education Act. The bipartisan support for this bill shows broad agreement that preparing students for in-demand careers is a top priority. We're hopeful our colleagues will go one step further by passing the Computer Science Education Act, which will increase access to computer science opportunities for students in classrooms across America. There will be 1.4 million computing jobs in 2020, and we must give all students a chance to excel in this exciting, high-paying field and earn the jobs of tomorrow."

The STEM Education Act broadens the definition of STEM subjects to include relevant fields like computer science and expand programs at the National Science Foundation to support informal STEM education activities.

The Computer Science Education Act was introduced by Brooks and Polis in June of 2013, and changes the definition of a core academic subject to include computer science. Doing so gives local school leaders increased flexibility to purchase technology, support teacher professional development and offer AP classes.

Source