Torres Urges Investment in STEM Education, Hispanic-Serving Institutions
WASHINGTON, DC – In letters to the House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) called for robust investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and in the nation's 472 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI). Specifically, Torres requested funding for:
- New development grants to build on current efforts to further computer science education, and better prepare students for careers in the field;
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) and its Research and Related Activities and Education and Human Resources Directorate, which supports the teaching and learning of computer science education in schools across the nation;
- Programs that support students pursuing their undergraduate and graduate degrees at HSIs, including grants for Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities;
- And the NSF HIS program, which is designed to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of Hispanic students pursuing degrees in STEM and increase the quality of STEM education. HSIs in the Inland Empire region include: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, California State University-San Bernardino, California Baptist University, University of La Verne, and La Sierra University.
"As the manufacturing industry in the Inland Empire grows, so does the demand for a diverse workforce that is equipped with the skills to succeed in STEM careers. Training workers to take on the jobs of tomorrow must begin at an early age," said Torres. "Investing in quality STEM education prepares our students in elementary school through graduate school—especially those enrolled in the nation's Hispanic-Serving Institutions—to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy."
Torres is the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Budget Task Force.
Computer science education letter may be found here.
National Science Foundation letter may be found here.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions letter may be found here.