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innovation nation
ExxonMobil is donating this week's op-ed space to the National Math and Science Initiative.
August 30, 2007
The National Math and Science Initiative draws a big response. But more is needed.
The warning was clear. In its 2005 report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” the National Academies concluded that the U.S. edge in technology was rapidly eroding, in part because students in other countries were performing better in math and science, and pursuing careers in these fields in far greater numbers.
The stakes are clear, too. The economic prosperity and security that Americans cherish is a product of our decades-long leadership as an “innovation nation.” Bright minds trained in math and science are the foundation for this success.
In response to this startling report, the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) was born. We are a non-profit organization whose mission is to “scale-up” programs that have been shown to boost math and science education in schools nationwide. Our immediate focus is on expanding training and incentive programs for Advanced Placement courses, and encouraging math and science majors to enter the teaching profession.
The response to NMSI has been overwhelming,with non-profits in 28 states and 52 universities applying for grants under the first round of funding announced earlier this year. Clearly, educators believe in the initiative’s potential. And we believe in them.
Yesterday, NMSI announced in Virginia the first grant of up to $13.2 million over the next six years for Advanced Placement programs. In the days ahead, similar grants in six additional states will be announced.
We wish we could fund more. With more resources, we could reach more American students. So far, a number of companies and private foundations are lending their financial support. ExxonMobil has led the way with a $125 million grant — the largest-ever corporate gift for U.S. math and science education. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have also pledged their support.
Congress also has taken a first step in backing those programs supported by NMSI and securing U.S. innovation leadership by passing the America COMPETES Act. This legislation — Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science — authorizes the federal government to award grants to educational partnerships promoting math, science, and engineering coursework. Funds have yet to be appropriated, however. It is critical that Congress do so soon.
We urge corporations and foundations to support the National Math and Science Initiative. By investing in America’s students today, we can indeed rise above the gathering storm, inspire a generation of great minds, and ensure that the U.S. remains a vibrant, prosperous “innovation nation” for years to come.
To learn more about NMSI, please visit www.nationalmathandscience.org.
