Science
The U.S. has always been the world’s creative, innovate leader. In order to maintain that edge for our children’s future, science and math education must provide the skills needed by business and technology leaders in the new global marketplace.
Keeping America Competitive in Science, Math
As a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, Matheson helped write the America COMPETES Act, a bipartisan bill designed to bolster math and science education. It became law in August 2007. The legislation authorizes funding for programs to create more qualified teachers in science and math fields and to support scientific research and innovation through the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Among other things, the bill expands programs to enhance the undergraduate education of the future science and engineering workforce; expands early career grant programs for outstanding young investigators at both the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy; and creates thousands of new teachers, while providing current teachers with content and expertise in their field. In recognition of the role small businesses play in technological innovation, the legislation also provides funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership—a federal/state/private sector program that helps companies market their innovations and grow their businesses.