Why was the STEM Education Caucus created?
Our knowledge-based economy is driven by constant innovation. The foundation of innovation lies in a dynamic, motivated and well-educated workforce equipped with STEM skills. However, the nature of our workforce and the needs of our industries have changed over time.
Today, an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles, a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, and the problem solving skills developed by courses in STEM are necessary for most jobs. Therefore, STEM education is an enormous and pressing need.
In response to this need, several years ago Congressman Vern Ehlers (now retired) and Congressman Mark Udall (now in the U.S. Senate) launched the bipartisan STEM Education Caucus for Members of Congress. Today the STEM Education Caucus is co chaired by Representative Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and Representative Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD). Dozens of Members have already joined the Caucus. Members of Congress are urged to join the caucus.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education is responsible for providing our country with three kinds of intellectual capital:
- Scientists and engineers who will continue the research and development that is central to the economic growth of our country
- Technologically proficient workers who are capable of dealing with the demands of a science based, high technology workforce; and
- Scientifically literate voters and citizens who make intelligent decisions about public policy and who understand the world around them.
Effective Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education is critical. The STEM ED Caucus seeks to strengthen STEM education at all levels (K-12, higher education and workforce) by providing a forum for Congress and the science, education and business communities to discuss challenges, problems, and solutions related to STEM education.
Members of the STEM Education Caucus Steering Committee members are listed below:
| Ablott, Vance | ablottv@triangle-coalition.org | Triangle Coalition |
| Abts, Leigh | leighabts@aol.com | UMD |
| Brown, James | jfbrown@stemedcoalition.org | STEM Education Coalition |
| Carl, Melissa | CarlM@asme.org | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| Carter, Cordell | CCarter@businessroundtable.org | Business Roundtable |
| Scullion, Christine |
CScullion@nam.org | National Association of Manufacturers |
| Collins, Paula | pcollins@ti.com | Texas Instruments |
| Curtis, Patti | curtisp@mos.org | Museum of Science, Boston |
| Hensel, Nancy | Nancy@cur.org | Council for Undergraduate Research |
| Hickey, Anne | Anne_Hickey@ace.nche.edu | American Council on Education |
| Krehbiel, Ken | kkrehbiel@nctm.org | National Council of Teachers of Mathematics |
| Mahone, Bruce | bmahone@sae.org | SAE International |
| Miller, Matt | mmmiller@sae.org | SAE International |
| Peterson, Jodi | jodi_p@nsta.org | National Science Teachers Association |
| Posey, Lauren | L_Posey@acs.org | American Chemical Society |
| Uherek, Amanda | auherek@hlc.org | Healthcare Leadership Council |
| Weaver, Eric | eric.m.weaver@intel.com | Intel |
| Veysey, John | John.Veysey@mail.house.gov | Rep. Lipinski |
| Nicholas, LaRhonda | LaRhonda.Nicholas@mail.house.gov | Rep. Lipinski |
| Powers, Faye | Faye.Powers@mail.house.gov | Rep. Bartlett |
| Contreras, Carlos | carlos.contreras@intel.com | Intel – FYI only |
The STEM Ed Caucus Steering Committee website is maintained by the National Science Teachers Association.
