This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Only about 1.3 percent—less than 10,000—of the available pool of minority high school graduates earn engineering degrees from America’s colleges and universities each year.
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The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) thinks this equation needs to change. I do, too. NACME is participating in a special Congressional session to examine and recommend federal policy advancing minority participation in STEM. NACME is soliciting testimonials from professional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators, researchers, volunteers, and students to comment on ways to enhance STEM education in the United States. They will collect all testimonies package them and submit to Members of Congress (via submission to the appropriate committees, Congressional caucuses, and decision-makers) at a time when critical decisions are being made on both the policy and the funding needed. This weekend is the Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus and this would be an ideal time for participants (and constituents) of this event to rally and who support for STEM education for all of our children - K-12 and post-secondary.
They are calling for one and all to submit written testimonies.
Below is guidance as to how to participate in this activity, should you choose to do so.
Format:
Cover page with your name, organization, and reference to title of this special session: “Advancing URMs in STEM Education and Careers.”
One (1) page of highlights, summary recommendations, and points you want to make.
Up to five (5) pages of single-spaced written testimony of your views, recommendations, and ideas.
All testimonies must be submitted electronically to: asuda@mww.com by October 15th.
The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (NACME) vision is an engineering workforce that looks like America. Our aim is to increase the proportion of African American, American Indian, and Hispanic American graduates in engineering education and careers, our metric is parity in the workforce. The NACME Scholarship is available to minorities pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering.