President's Speeches, White Papers, and Presentations
Contents
STEM Education Benefits All
Innovation today still requires a scientifically literate population and a robust supply of qualified graduates. Unfortunately, a recent report from Tapping America’s Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 of the nation’s leading business organizations, shows that the U.S. is losing its ability to innovate and, in effect, its ability to compete.
Educators Have A Role To Play In Making Vital Science And Technology Careers Attractive To Their Students
The inspiration to learn and succeed comes from many sources. Mine was Mr. Wizard, the 1950s-era TV scientist who espoused the importance of science and promoted careers in this field. Yours might be a good teacher who endorses the study of sciences.
Science is the Modern Career Ladder
Every student has somebody who inspires them to learn. For me, it was Mr. Wizard. A regular on television for decades, Don Herbert’s show presented the magic and mystery of science in everyday living, becoming the best-known science show on American television.
Today's Sputnik Moment is the Lack of Science Educated Students
Fifty years ago, the former Soviet Union surprised the West by launching the world’s first satellite, Sputnik, into space. The October 4, 1957 launch was a wake-up call that our nation may be falling behind our Cold War foe.
Science is the New Ladder To Career Success
One of the main roles of U.S. higher education today is to educate the next generation of citizens who will help the nation maintain its competitiveness. Yet, despite the federal government spending billions of dollars on education programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, a May 2006 General Accounting Office study found that the proportion of students obtaining degrees in STEM fields has fallen.
"Brain Gain" Education Models Are Key to Nation’s Global Competitiveness
Groundbreaking ideas generated by innovative minds will influence the lives and livelihoods of generations of Americans, paying enormous dividends as our nation seeks to strengthen its ability to compete in the global economy. The nation, however, will continue to pay a long-term economic price for failing to educate our youth, particularly those in underrepresented groups, to participate successfully in the 21st century economy.
Economic Impact
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is one of the largest economic development projects this region has ever undertaken. An economic impact analysis shows that within 3 years of opening the university, its math science magnet school (SciTech High), and its business incubator (SciTech Center) will pump at least $14.8 million annually into our local economy. As the university enrollment grows to 1,500 students over its first decade its overall annual economic impact grows to $44.7 million.
Plans and Milestones
After more than a decade of planning, a university in downtown Harrisburg is now a reality. Students are already attending classes at SciTech High, HU's regional math-science magnet school operated as a small learning community in partnership with the Harrisburg School District. The University's executive team works daily with business leaders to craft a curriculum to fit the region's knowledge economy workforce needs. Civic, political, and corporate leaders are stepping up with financial support and the University is making a significant investment in our region – an investment that grows daily.
The Need [for Harrisburg University]
The Capital Region has many economic assets to enable it to capitalize on the new information economy. But there was a significant weakness in our economic portfolio. The capital city of Pennsylvania did not have a university. Harrisburg was the largest state capital in the nation without a four-year university. Indeed, the 8-county south central Pennsylvania region does not have a science and technology focused university as do other regions of the Commonwealth.
Why Invest in Science & Technology Education
There can be no arguing the point that a post-secondary education is the passport necessary to participate in the 21st century economy, an economy driven by knowledge; fueled by rapid technological change; and shaped by competitors across the globe that can enter this market with the click of a mouse. Those competitors are absorbing tens of thousands of jobs that we are shipping overseas each year.