Washington, DC (September 20, 2007) – Tomorrow, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX), Chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-HI), a member of the subcommittee, will hold a field hearing at California Polytechnic University, Pomona in Pomona, CA. The members of Congress will hear from witnesses on how the federal government can build on the success of the America COMPETES Act and propel a new generation of leaders into the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

“There has been a steady drumbeat across the country to renew our nation’s leadership in fields of science and technology,” said Hinojosa. “California has long led the way in developing innovative strategies in STEM education and I look forward to exploring what we can do on the federal level to produce similar results.”

Last month, the President signed into law the America COMPETES Act, which will ensure that more students, teachers, businesses, and workers are prepared to lead the world in innovation well into the future. The comprehensive legislation invests in 25,000 new teachers through professional development, summer training institutes, graduate education assistance, and scholarships. It also includes provisions modeled after the successful U-Teach and Cal-Teach programs where students earn degrees in the STEM fields and teaching certificates at the same time.  These newly minted teachers are placed, mentored, and supported in the schools where they are needed the most.