Blogs:

A host of programs were launched by President Obama on 23rd November to inspire and motivate students to enhance their performance in Math and Science. This includes the White House Science Fair and “National Lab Day”, an effort at the grass root level.

In his morning remarks, President Obama said that tomorrow’s leaders of America are entirely dependent on today’s education imparted to them. He went on to stress that these challenges could be met with focus on various factors such as protecting security of the nation, harnessing clean energy, surviving, fighting and succeeding in the global economy and improving overall well-being and health of the citizens. He said that all this can only be achieved by strengthening and reaffirming the role of America in leading technological innovation and scientific discoveries.

The President was saddened with the fact that decades of neglect has led to losing ground as fifteen  year old American students rank 21st and 25th in the world compared to their peers according to assessments. The president was referring to the results of the PISA or Program for International Student Assessment. His statement was reiterated by John Holdren, the policy Director of the Office of Science and Technology to the reporters in a conference call.

President Obama has constantly stressing on the importance of STEM i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, throughout his campaign. According to him, it is necessary to enhance STEM skills in everyone, not only in students. He also said it is important fostering a science savvy citizenry.

The President prioritized STEM education initiative. He said that increasing STEM literacy will enable critical thinking in students in these subjects, will improve the science and math quality of teaching enabling and empowering American students to outperform their counterparts from other nations and will enhance career and education STEM opportunities for minorities, women and other underrepresented groups.

As an innovative solution to this challenging initiative, President Obama suggested high powered partnerships with science and engineering societies, non profit organizations, foundations and leading companies in America. With a single minded dedication and with the co-operation of all these entities, he said it is definitely possible to uplift America students from the middle ranks to the top rank in just ten year’s time in Math and Science achievement.

In order to acheive this, President announced certain strategic partnerships with leading companies, non-profit organizations, foundations and science and engineering societies, all of which are dedicated to moving American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next 10 years.

Some of the innovative schemes launched by the President include the Time Warner Cable’s “Connect a Million Minds”. This campaign aims at connecting at least one million American students to STEM after school activities in their areas. 

Sesame Street's initiative on Early STEM literacy will focus on young children. They will foster an interest in math and science in small children with their “My World is Green and Growing” campaign. This program is exclusively designed to create a positive attitude, care and respect among students towards environment and nature. In his speech, President Obama said this STEM crisis can be effectively handled only with the help of all including parents, students, public and private institutions and teachers.