About
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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. BHEF brings together an extraordinary coalition of corporate, academic and foundation members to influence public policy and inspire other corporate, academic and foundation leaders to act.
BHEF addresses education issues fundamental to our nation's ability to compete globally. These include improving student achievement and readiness for success in college and work; and strengthening higher education, particularly our national capacity in science, technology, engineering and math. BHEF currently is pursuing two major initiatives advancing solutions in these areas – one focused on college/work readiness and success, and a second promoting America's leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
BHEF conducts research to create solutions and to identify strategies and policy reforms that the organization and its members advance directly and with partner organizations. Most recently, BHEF research has addressed the imperative of enhanced recruitment, retention and renewal of the nation's math and science teaching workforce.
David J. Skorton, president of Cornell University, serves as chairman of BHEF. William H. Swanson, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company, is vice chair.
View BHEF's 2008 Annual Report (pdf).
>>June 26, 2009
Brian Fitzgerald, executive director of BHEF, responds to the Education Department's plans to simplify the financial aid application process. "We are pleased to learn of Secretary Duncan and President Obama's efforts to simplify the process…Too many low-income students do not complete the FAFSA because of the form's complexity, reducing their chances of financial resources that provide access to and help foster success in college." Read the full response on the advocacy page.
>>May 15, 2009
BHEF Chair and President of Cornell University David Skorton was selected to be chairman of the Task Force on Diversifying the New York State Economy through Industry-Higher Education Partnerships. Created by Governor Paterson, the task force will bring together New York state leaders in industry and higher education to generate ideas to diversify the state's economy through industry-higher education partnerships. It will study best practices and generate recommendations on fostering business incubation, growth and emerging technology commercialization.