America Competes Reauthorization Act Of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chair, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support my amendment to the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010.

Many very qualified students can compete for the fellowships and scholarships if they are only made aware of them. This amendment would require the Director of the National Science Foundation to conduct outreach efforts to encourage increased applications from underrepresented groups. It is of utmost importance to give all individuals an opportunity at these programs.

The simple--but crucial--effort to make underrepresented groups a part of the process will serve to create a more diverse and representative workforce in the National Science Foundation's Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.

The challenges our nation faces in this century require that we have a highly-skilled and creative workforce trained in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

In the 21st century human advancement is closely linked in STEM fields. It is imperative that we create a broad pipeline of STEM professionals.

Our future leaders will need STEM skills to craft innovative policies on issues of national concern such as transportation, sustainability, healthcare, and national security.

Hispanic enrollment in colleges and universities has more than doubled over the past two decades (2010 University of Southern California study).

Hispanic participation in STEM fields at the higher education level has grown but it has not kept pace with their growth within the general population (USC).

Among Hispanics who enroll in four-year institutions, 36% indicate an intention to major in a STEM field.

I thank the distinguished Chairman for his work on this legislation, and consideration of this amendment.

We can harness this 21st century technology to bring these areas out of 19th century conditions.

Mr. Chairman, I applaud you on this important legislation, and I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

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