BHEF Supports ‘Changing the Equation’ in STEM

Attends White House ceremony to unveil follow up to ‘Educate to Innovate’ campaign to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in STEM Education

Washington, DC (September 16, 2010) — Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) Executive Director Brian K. Fitzgerald, at the personal invitation of President Barack Obama, today attended the White House event to unveil “Change the Equation”—an organization that aims to help connect the Obama administration with corporate partners committed to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Fitzgerald issued the following statement:

“Improving STEM education and the STEM workforce is key to America’s economic development, so an additional spotlight on this issue is welcome. We look forward to working with Change the Equation to strengthen U.S. leadership in STEM.
 
“In that regard, Change the Equation’s focus on connecting scientists and engineers from local and national companies with classroom teachers in order to provide an opportunity for more hands-on science learning is crucial to helping inspire the next generation of innovators.

“A significant number of BHEF’s members also are members of Change the Equation, including BHEF Chairman William H. Swanson, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company, who also attended the White House event. Since 2005, BHEF's Securing America’s Leadership in STEM Initiative has sought to increase the number of STEM college graduates by strengthening the mathematics and science teaching workforce and by strengthening the education pipeline that leads to STEM careers, and can help facilitate Change the Equation’s work.

“We wish Change the Equation CEO Linda Rosen and her team much success.”