Coalition Outlines 2020 Federal Policy Goals
The STEM Education Coalition this week released its 2020 federal policy goals to shape the coalition’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and among the executive branch agencies for the year. The policy goals capture five broad themes, including how Congress must prioritize STEM funding, that higher education reforms must bolster STEM talent pathways, that competitiveness legislation must include a strong focus on the STEM workforce, that the White House and administration maintain a strong focus on STEM education and STEM jobs, and that infrastructure plans must include resources to support STEM education. The goals are the centered around the coalition’s core principles:
STEM education must be elevated as a national priority as reflected through education reforms, policies to drive innovation, and federal and state spending priorities.
STEM education is closely linked with our nation’s economic prosperity in the modern global economy and strong STEM skills are a central element of a well-rounded education.
Our nation must expand the capacity and diversity of STEM workforce pathways to prepare more Americans – especially those from populations that are underrepresented in STEM fields – for the best jobs of the future that will keep the U.S. innovative, secure and competitive.
Policymakers at every level must be informed about policy issues related to STEM education and their implications for the economy, national security, and continued American leadership in science and technology.
Effective policies to promote STEM education as a national priority should be bipartisan and evidence-based and must be backed up by a strong and united community of stakeholders and advocates in the business, professional, research, and education communities.
The full policy goals document can be found below:
