High quality educational opportunities should be available for all Americans, not just those who live in certain zip codes.
In the global innovation economy, the American workforce is falling behind on the skills needed for tomorrow’s high-paying technology and science jobs. Greater investment in STEM programs is needed to ensure that our workforce maintains a competitive advantage in the global innovation economy. Technology allowed for wide-scale implementation of online learning at a moment’s notice when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It will continue to allow educators, students, and institutions to reimagine how tech can help to provide further flexibility, increase access, and promote equity in education.
Good policy supports long-term educational policy solutions that empower American students from primary to higher education to excel in STEM fields. It means increased investment in basic research at U.S. universities, which often leads to next-generation innovations and new businesses and jobs. It means increased funding for STEM and computer science education as well as apprenticeships, technical training programs and workforce development with a technology focus. Public-private partnerships can help ensure that American students and workers have the right set of digital tools for the future.