Support bill to promote STEM education push

Miguel Morales
·2 min read
Dr. Charles Weissmann (cq) is organizing and hiring for Scripps' (cq) new laboratory facilities on the Florida Atlantic University (cq) campus in Boca Raton. Potential staff is already trickling in from across the US and Europe. Steve Pounds story.
Dr. Charles Weissmann (cq) is organizing and hiring for Scripps' (cq) new laboratory facilities on the Florida Atlantic University (cq) campus in Boca Raton. Potential staff is already trickling in from across the US and Europe. Steve Pounds story.

As of 2019, graduating PhDs in science, tech, engineering and math (STEM) fields out of Chinese academic institutions overshadowed U.S. institutions by 49,498 graduates to 33,7591. That’s 33% more Chinese graduates pursuing innovative jobs, creating businesses and further stimulating their economy.

I am a middle school Science teacher here in West Palm Beach and believe that science and STEM are important skills for a populace to have, to be able to think critically and navigate an ever-changing world. Funding in STEM is extremely important to education and our future economy. The Bipartisan Innovation Act, also known as the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, seeks to do just that.

The Bipartisan Innovation Act will ensure our next generation is able to adapt to an evolving job market, with the funding of STEM programs in pre-K, high school and advanced education, with undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships and postdoctoral awards.

Particularly as more work shifts to digital output, the need for thinking to adapt to these changes is critical for remaining competitive in a global landscape. During the Cold War, when science and math were the main focus of our education system, it led to a plethora of inventions, like integrated circuits, transistors, solid-state computing, GPS satellite, and the internet.

The Bipartisan Innovation Act also addresses other issues of global competitiveness. The CHIPs provision within the bill is slated to provide $50 billion in support of domestic semiconductor manufacturing plants. This would grow manufacturers like Intel, in their new Ohio plant, and smaller factories, while providing well-paying jobs for those not pursuing STEM. Additionally, apprenticeship programs would be funded in rural communities, to provide specialized training to marginalized groups.

Adapting to new and changing norms is the only way we can guarantee success for young Americans. China has led the way in this aspect and if we do not follow suit, our professional community and entire country will fall behind. Support STEM education, support American innovation, support the Bipartisan Innovation Act. Write to our members of Congress today.

 Miguel Morales is a West Palm Beach middle school teacher.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: America needs STEM education to compete globally