The Crisis in Education and Why It’s Important to You
From time to time, I latch on to a cause or organization that I strongly support and think I can help. This year, my cause of choice is the Society of Automotive Engineers Foundation. Take quick read, and let me know what you think. Spread the word about the work they are doing and, if you think it's important, send a donation. Our futures depend on it... As the economy begins to expand, companies across the United States are looking to hire highly-qualified science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-trained applicants for positions that are fundamental to the design of tomorrow’s products and keeping our industries competitive. There’s just one problem: our educational system is not keeping pace with the rest of the world in generating talented and motivated young people to fill these future positions. Why is this a problem, though? A variety of economic studies over the years indicate that half or more of the growth in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in recent decades has been attributable to progress in technological innovation and the great majority of newly created jobs are the result of advancements in science and technology. And the fact is that we are not producing the minds to fill those positions.The statistics are discouraging:
The 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (Nation’s Report Card) showed that only 32% of fourth-graders, 31% of eighth-graders, and 21% of twelfth-graders scored “proficient” or better in science.
Ninety-three percent (93%) of U.S. public school students in fifth through eighth grade are taught the physical sciences by a teacher without a degree or certificate in the physical sciences.
The result of these and other systemic issues? The United States ranks 27th among developed nations in the proportion of college students receiving undergraduate degrees in science or engineering.
But the problem is not only performance related. It’s also perceptual. Throughout our educational system, young students who are talented in STEM fields are increasingly opting to pursue other fields. Currently, more than 50% of all engineering doctoral degrees awarded by U.S. engineering colleges go to foreign nationals — many of whom are not eligible for U.S. security clearances. Of the U.S. students who intend to major in engineering, one-third switch majors before graduating.
How does this influence our industry? U.S. companies are increasingly paying for this problem at the bottom line. They cannot find qualified candidates to fill critical positions, or they must go off-shore to find such candidates and, in the process, incur very costly international relocation costs.
The SAE Foundation recognized this growing problem early-on and has developed a continuum of activities that are directly targeted towards making math and engineering cool again in the eyes of young students. Whether at the elementary education level, high schools, or universities, there are programs like A World in Motion, The Collegiate Design Series, F1 in Schools as well as many scholarships and awards that the Foundation supports each year.
But we cannot do this work in a vacuum. We need your support to increase awareness of the great work that is being done by the SAE Foundation and its volunteers to turn around this systemic problem. The Future STEM’s from You! An investment in STEM education can mean a lifetime of productivity. Help us grow the future!
For more info: SAE Foundation