WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-3) introduced the bipartisan National STEM Week Act. The bill would create an annual week dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education access and interest, especially among communities with limited access to educational resources.
“As Ohio grows as a national leader in STEM jobs, it is all the more important to recognize the role that STEM education plays in equipping our students with the skills they need for career opportunities of the future,” Rep. Carey said. “Science, technology, engineering, and math learning can inspire new curiosities, a lifelong passion, and a successful career. It acts as the bridge from taking an idea to a real, tangible thing. A National STEM Week will help emphasize the value of these subjects to students, no matter their background, and help parents, family, and teachers encourage student success from an early age.”
“Ohio is the heart of American innovation and home to brilliant young scholars and budding STEM leaders,” Rep. Beatty said. “From elementary school students discovering the wonders of the galaxy to scientists making our world safer, strong STEM education fuels the next generation of innovators. Establishing a National STEM Week will empower future leaders and help level the playing field so that every student, regardless of their background or where they live, has opportunities to succeed in the STEM space.”
“The National STEM Week Act is a pivotal step in ensuring that students across the country not only learn STEM but experience it in ways that prepare them for the real world. Science, technology, engineering, and math are the foundation of every major industry, from agriculture to aerospace, microbiology to medicine, energy to the environment, and this initiative strengthens the pipeline between education and workforce readiness,” Dr. Frederic Bertley, President & CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), said. “At COSI, we believe that hands-on STEM learning is the key to empowering the next generation of innovators and inventors, and we are proud to support this national effort to connect students with the careers of tomorrow.”
BACKGROUND:
The National STEM Week Act aims to promote STEM education and careers among all students regardless of their geographic or socio-economic status, through stakeholder and local collaboration, and encourage families, teachers and industry leaders to participate in students’ STEM education.
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).
Full text of the bill can be found here.
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