The U.S. Department of Education – Staff Writer
“Early in his Administration, President Obama made improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education a priority. To meet the nation’s evolving workforce needs, America will need to add 1 million more STEM professionals by 2022. To meet this need and bring welcome diversity to STEM industries, we must continue to support and encourage STEM degree completion, especially for African-Americans and others who are underrepresented in these fields yet have a long history of achievement in STEM fields. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are particularly critical to meeting the STEM challenge, as engines of economic growth and ladders of advancement for generations of African Americans. That’s why the Administration has instituted policies that provide $850 million over the next decade to renew, reform, and expand programs to ensure students have the opportunity for educational and career success at HBCUs. Over the past seven years, the Obama Administration’s efforts have resulted in unprecedented levels of public-private collaboration in STEM education; policies and budgets focused on maximizing Federal investments to increase student access and engagement in active, rigorous STEM-learning experiences; and meaningful efforts to inspire and recognize young inventors, discoverers, and makers.”(more)