Dreier Votes To Support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education

Press Release

Congressman David Dreier voted last week to strengthen federal support for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. H.R. 1709, the STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009, was approved with strong bipartisan support, by a vote of 353 to 39.

"STEM education is key to ensuring that the next generation of American workers has the tools necessary to compete and thrive in a global economy, and keep our country on the cutting edge of innovation and new technologies," Dreier said. "This bill will coordinate federal efforts to maximize the effectiveness of every taxpayer dollar used to advance STEM education."

A longtime proponent of STEM education, Dreier has also co-authored legislation to expand Advanced Placement (AP) courses in math and science, recruit STEM professionals to serve as adjunct teachers and establish comprehensive teacher preparation courses. University professors and STEM professionals agree that education in math and science must begin at a young age, long before the college application process or job search begins.

Added Dreier, "We must improve early science and math education so that we can foster an interest in the STEM fields at an early age, providing students a strong foundation upon which to build as they pursue these interests in college and throughout their careers."

H.R. 1709 would establish a committee within the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to coordinate federal STEM activities and evaluate the effectiveness of STEM education programs. The NSTC would be required to provide an annual report to Congress on federal STEM funding and program assessments.

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