BHEF is an organization of Fortune 500 CEOs, prominent college and university presidents, and foundation leaders working to advance innovative solutions to our nation's education challenges in order to enhance U.S. competitiveness.
Congress Implements Recommendations of BHEF's "An American Imperative" Report
Congress overwhelmingly passed and the President is expected to sign the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (H.R. 2669), which implements key recommendations of the Business-Higher Education Forum’s recent report. The bill provides for undergraduate scholarships for teachers and loan forgiveness for teachers and other public service professionals.
For other recent news and events, see News.
Securing America's Leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
America's advantage over its international counterparts in science, technology and innovation is diminishing. In response to these challenges, BHEF launched Securing America's Leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM Initiative) (PDF - 696 KB) in June 2005 to help ensure that America remains a global leader. Led by Co-Chairs Warren Baker, President of the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and William Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company, the STEM initiative seeks to double the number of STEM college graduates by 2015 through strengthening the mathematics and science teaching workforce and pursuing promising strategies to strengthen the education pipeline that leads to STEM careers.
About the Initiative
Background
America's strong historical investment in education and research helped foster the development of a highly educated workforce long the envy of the world for its ability to innovate and conquer seemingly intractable problems. However, America's advantage over its international counterparts in science, technology and innovation is diminishing. When looking at key indicators of scientific productivity long dominated by Americans, the United States is losing ground compared to other countries in scientific journal articles authored, patents awarded, and Nobel Prizes won. In addition, in a post-9/11 world, fewer international students and scholars are choosing to come to the United States to work and study, partly due to stricter U.S. immigration policies and increased competition for top students.
The erosion of America's competitive edge in the world marketplace is attributable to a number of factors: low interest and student performance in mathematics and science, the lack of sufficient coordination and alignment between the K-12 and higher education systems in the STEM disciplines, a poorly prepared and poorly rewarded teaching workforce, and a weakening federal commitment to basic research and development. These factors are set against the backdrop of heightened investment and achievement in education, research and development (R&D) by our international competitor nations. Left unaddressed, these signs point to weakened economic growth and U.S. competitiveness.
Goal
In response to these challenges, BHEF launched it STEM Initiative in June 2005 to help ensure that America remains a global leader. Led by Co-Chairs Warren Baker, President of the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and William Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company, the initiative seeks to double the number of STEM college graduates by 2015. It will identify those efforts that can be "scaled for success" and involve business as a vital partner. The initiative will also foster collaboration among the various components of the education system, government, business, and society-at-large to recruit and prepare students for STEM careers and obtain more support for federal R&D.
Six Priorities
To accomplish the overall goal of the initiative, BHEF's work focuses on six priority areas:
- Priority 1: Science and Math Culture and Achievement. Increase student awareness, interest and achievement in mathematics and science.
- Priority 2: STEM Pipeline. Attract and graduate more students in the STEM disciplines, particularly women and underrepresented minorities.
- Priority 3: Institutional and Systemic Reform. Advance learning methods and systemic reforms that facilitate greater student achievement in mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
- Priority 4: Teaching Workforce. Foster new methods of recruiting, training, supporting, and collaborating with K-12 teachers proficient in mathematics and science.
- Priority 5: STEM Policy. Advance policy and programs that enable U.S. higher education, private industry and government agencies to compete in the global search for the best STEM talent.
- Priority 6: Advocacy and Action. Stimulate national dialogue and local, grass-roots initiatives through alliance building and collaboration among business, education and government.
Project Areas 1, 2 & 3
To more efficiently address the diverse number and range of issues systemically, BHEF structured the Initiative into three Project Areas.
Project Area 1: Middle/High School Pipeline & Teaching
Project Area 2: Undergraduate, Graduate Education & Research
Project Area 3: STEM Partnerships and Grassroots Advocacy
Project Area 1 is currently in progress. BHEF has just released a major report on the critical shortage of high quality mathematics and science teachers, the lack of which threatens the strength, innovation, and productivity of America's economy. The report proposes a comprehensive action plan to elevate the status of the teaching profession and focuses on transforming three key components that contribute to a robust, world-class teaching workforce: recruitment, retention, and renewal.
Additional Information
For more information about the initiative and its related research, programmatic, and advocacy efforts, please contact Christopher Roe, Deputy Director.