On one side, studies by some economists show our nation has more science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers than it needs. They contend STEM workers often have difficulty finding employment.
On the other side, studies by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and think tanks such as the U.S. Council on Competitiveness trace a decline in U.S. competitiveness to the insufficient production of engineers and scientists. High-tech employers such as Southern Co. consistently say they can't hire enough qualified engineers.
He's right. And the need for the inherent problem-solving capacity of scientists and engineers has never been greater. Consider NAE's "Grand Challenges of Engineering," perhaps the most ambitious to-do list ever compiled. Its purpose is to address issues such as engineering better medicines, preventing nuclear terror and making solar energy economical. These are the challenges that must be conquered to prepare our world for a better tomorrow.
Children of lower-income backgrounds — often underrepresented minorities — comprise the first group. Citing earlier research from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the science board stated that high-achieving students from lower-income families lose ground academically as they progress through school. These students fall out of the top quartile in elementary and high school while their wealthier classmates remain. It is a real waste of talent when we allow bright, capable students to lose their way simply because their families lack means.
