Future of U.S. science and engineering depends en diversity

摘要

As head of a science-based company whose success depends on the creative and innovative thinking of its employees, I understand and appreciate the value a diverse workforce brings to the marketplace. Recently, though, the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology published data showing that women hold only one-quarter of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs today. For minorities, including African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans, gains made both in preparing for and acquiring STEM jobs have been even less substantial. More disconcerting are reports from the National Science Board (NSB) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) warning that the United States is facing a troubling decline in the number of citizens being trained to become scientists and engineers, while the number of jobs requiring STEM skills continues to grow. They say these trends, if not reversed, could severely threaten the United States' global leadership position in science and engineering (S&E).