Why is science and technology so important for our students?

America is currently experiencing a scientific crisis in education, putting our global economic and technological edge at risk.  Did you know that:

• In 2006, American 15-year olds ranked 27th in science proficiency, and 36th in math, among 58 countries.
• Several key U.S. agencies for scientific research and development will face a retirement crisis within the next ten years.
• Less than 6% of our high school seniors plan to pursue engineering degrees, down 36% from a decade ago.
• In 2000, 56% of China’s undergraduate degrees were in the hard sciences; in the United States, the figure was 17%.

“Along with these emerging giants [China / India], countries like Japan, South Korea and Singapore are also challenging America's dominance. If present trends continue, 90% of all the world's scientists and engineers will be living in Asia by 2010.”
Nobel Laureate, Richard E. Smalley