Washington, DC (April 6, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today introduced H.R. 5106 the “Partnerships for Access to Laboratory Science Act (PALS).”  This legislation will authorize $50 million for a matching grant program at the National Science Foundation that will leverage federal, state, local, and private resources to re-invigorate high school laboratories in high need and rural school districts.

Partners will include high need or rural school districts, a college or university and the private sector.  Grants will be used to improve the teaching of science through the integration of hands-on learning into science education programs at high school laboratories as part of a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of science instruction and student learning outcomes.

“Keeping America competitive and at the forefront of innovation in the world community isn’t just a matter of economic security – it’s a matter of national security,” said Hinojosa.  “We must produce more scientists, engineers, and technicians to protect the nation and promote prosperity.”

According to the United States Government Accountability Office, it has been found that approximately 40 percent of those college students who left the science fields reported some problems related to high school science preparation.  Cited problems included a lack of laboratory experience and no introduction to theoretical or to analytical modes of thought.  The GAO also found that 49.1 percent of schools where the minority student population is greater than 50.5 percent reported not meeting functional requirements for laboratory science well or not at all.

“Unfortunately, our fastest pool of future scientists and engineers are attending schools that aren’t able to provide them with the hands-on, inquiry-based scientific experiences they need to remain competitive and to pursue careers in these critical fields,” continued Hinojosa.  “Our next generation of scientists and engineers are waiting to be discovered – we must equip our schools with the necessary tools and resources to develop these students’ talents and curiosity.”

This legislation has the support of the American Chemical Society and the National Science Teachers Association.