Our Goal: Double the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates with bachelor's degrees by 2015. http://www.tap2015.org/ Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 of the nation's leading business organizations, today released a report assessing three years' progress in working towards the TAP goal of doubling the number of students earning bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by 2015. July 15, 2008 http://www.tap2015.org/news/tap_progress_press_release.pdf A high-profile push by business groups to double the number of U.S. bachelor's degrees awarded in science, math and engineering by 2015 is falling way behind target, a new report says. In 2005, 15 prominent business groups warned that a lack of expert workers and teachers posed a threat to U.S. competitiveness, and said the country would need 400,000 new graduates in the so-called STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields by 2015. July 15, 2008 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#news Not too long ago, a group of female students at Hehnly School in Clark used balloons to build flying machines as part of an "Invent Now" after-school science club. The club and several other similar science programs in the school district are sponsored by L'Oreal USA, which was honored last month with a "Friends of Education" award from the New Jersey Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development for its support of the science clubs. February 10, 2008 http://www.tap2015.org/news/Star_Ledger_2_10_08.pdf Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 prominent business and technology associations committed to bolstering the pipeline of U.S. scientists and engineers, today announced a new clearinghouse of information for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students and employees. January 31, 2008 http://www.tap2015.org/news/01_31_2008_business.htm As school systems explore ways to enhance college and work place readiness among high school graduates, the business community is taking a more active role. That activity isn't limited to campus volunteers and the occasional cash donation. Businesses increasingly are making their voices heard on a range of political and education policy issues. January 3, 2008 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#tap Not only did many industrialized countries outperform the United States in science on a recent international exam, but American students' academic achievement was also more likely to be affected by their wealth or poverty and family background than was their peers' in higher-scoring nations. That was one of several sobering findings for the United States included in the results of the 2006 Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA. The program showed U.S. students lagging behind a majority of participating developed nations in both science and mathematics... "Demography is not destiny," said Susan L. Traiman, the director of education and workforce policy at the Business Roundtable, a Washington-based association of chief executive officers. Noting the progress of both industrialized and developing nations, she said, "improvement can and does occur at a more rapid pace than we thought in the past." December 7, 2007 http://tap2015.org/news/EdWeek12.10.07.pdf Business Roundtable, an association of 160 chief executive officers of leading U.S. corporations, today expressed concern about the relatively poor performance of American students on OECD's Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2006 science competency test. Business Roundtable has a long-term and continuing commitment to improving science education in the United States. December 4, 2007 http://tap2015.org/news/pisa_12042007.pdf If the Soviet space satellite Sputnik were to circle the earth today, all kinds of sightings no doubt would be posted on YouTube. Lobbyists determined to make sure the United States remains globally competitive think something similar should happen now, so they sponsored an innovation video contest and brought former astronauts to Capitol Hill on Thursday. November 8, 2007 http://tap2015.org/news/TechDaily11.8.07.pdf To promote high-quality math and science education, Intel honors U.S. schools that have demonstrated excellence in those fields as Intel Schools of Distinction. Winning programs, which have developed an environment and curricula that meet or exceed the national mathematics and science content standards, serve as models for schools across the country. By replicating proven programs such as those honored as Schools of Distinction, schools can reinvigorate their own science and mathematics programs to inspire the next generation of scientists and mathematicians. October 11, 2007 http://tap2015.org/resource/month.html Fifty years ago Thursday, in a remote part of the Soviet Union, a space satellite known as Sputnik sent back signals to Earth and signaled to the United States that it needed to enter the space race. Within weeks, President Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed the nation with a vision to invest more in science, mathematics and innovation. October 4, 2007 http://tap2015.org/news/clinton_071003.pdf The Atlantic Council of the United States and Business Roundtable co-hosted "The Sputnik Moment: Lessons for 21st Century Global Challenges," an event reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik, a moment that shocked the country into an unparalleled investment in science, technology and education. A panel of distinguished historians, astronauts and business leaders debated lessons learned from the "Sputnik Moment," its implications on U.S. and foreign policy and future shocks to U.S. competitiveness October 1, 2007 http://tap2015.org/news/10_01_2007_sputnik.htm Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 prominent business and technology associations committed to sustaining U.S. scientific and technology leadership, today applaud the U.S. Senate for its passage of the conference report of H.R. 2272, the America COMPETES Act, by unanimous consent last night after House passage earlier in the evening. August 3, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/news/08_03_2007_business_groups_applaud.html Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 prominent business and technology associations committed to sustaining U.S. scientific and technology leadership, today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of H.R. 2272, the "America COMPETES Act." August 2, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/news/08_02_2007_business_groups_applaud.html Among its many supporters, including Delphi, General Motors, Motorola, Xerox, Abbott and Fed Ex, FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs for elementary and high school students to not only build an interest in science and technology, but also self-confidence, leadership, and life skills. July 9, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 prominent business and technology associations committed to sustaining U.S. scientific and technology leadership, today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage yesterday of H.R. 362, the "10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds" Science and Math Scholarship Act, and H.R. 363, the "Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research" Act. April 25, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/news/business_groups_applaud.html This CNNMoney.com article reports on starting salaries for college graduates across a wide range of academic fields, with engineering graduates earning more than many of their counterparts. April 6, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#news In this recent report, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) highlights the importance of spurring economic growth and enhancing U.S. competitiveness through innovation, fostered by investments in research. April 3, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/related_research.html#i Created to help foster the next generation of scientists and engineers to improve U.S. global competitiveness, The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), is a non-profit initiative supported by ExxonMobil and overseen by a board of innovators in the field of math and science education. April 2, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html Why doesn't America graduate enough scientists and engineers? Let us know what you think. April 2, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org Which contributes more to improving student achievement in science? Let us know what you think. March 26, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org In a statement on the March 13 House Science and Technology Committee hearing on innovation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recognized the Innovation Proclamation and said: "We Must Act Now to Create the Jobs and Economic Security of Tomorrow." March 19, 2007 http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=0101 Scientists and engineers are America's innovators. Studies show that of all the factors that contribute to productivity growth and global economic competitiveness, the number of scientists and engineers in the workforce is the most significant. Today's profile: Timothy J. Berners-Lee, Director of the World Wide Web Consortium, Senior Researcher at the Decentralized Information Group and Professor of Computer Science at Southampton ECS. March 14, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/scientists_engineers/index.html TAP and more than 270 U.S. business and higher education leaders today unveiled "The American Innovation Proclamation," which calls on Congress to act this year on an innovation agenda. March 13, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/proclamation/index.html Is it appropriate for federal science agencies and National Laboratories to partner with local schools on science education? Let us know what you think. March 12, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/ Scientists and engineers are America's innovators. Studies show that of all the factors that contribute to productivity growth and global economic competitiveness, the number of scientists and engineers in the workforce is the most significant. Today's profile: Ainissa G. Ramirez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University. March 6, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/scientists_engineers/ramirez.html Are computers in the classroom an essential tool for teaching K-12 math and science? Let us know what you think. March 5, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/ Sponsored by IBM, EX.I.T.E. - Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering - is a camp developed for middle-school girls to explore making a difference through math and science technology. EX.I.T.E. encourages girls with an opportunity to participate in various engineering and science-related projects and provides professional female role models during the week-long camp. March 1, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html Engineering powers America, including American business. In fact, engineering is the most common undergraduate degree among the CEOs of America's largest companies. Today's profile: Sy Sternberg, Chairman and CEO of New York Life Insurance Company. February 28, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/sternberg.html Engineering powers America, including American business. In fact, engineering is the most common undergraduate degree among the CEOs of America's largest companies. Today's profile: Ramani Ayer, Chairman and CEO of The Hartford Financial Services Group. February 27, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/ayer.html Should the federal government be more involved or less involved in improving K-12 math and science education? Let us know what you think. February 27, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/ In this February 25, 2007, op-ed in The Washington Post, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says that "we must demand strong schools so that young Americans enter the workforce with the math, science and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in the knowledge economy." February 26, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html Engineering powers America, including American business. In fact, engineering is the most common undergraduate degree among the CEOs of America's largest companies. Today's profile: Steven F. Leer, Chairman and CEO of Arch Coal, Inc. February 26, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/leer.html Engineering powers America, including American business. Each day during National Engineers Week, Business Roundtable is highlighting a Roundtable CEO who is also an engineer. Today's profile: Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation. February 23, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/tillerson.html Engineering powers America, including American business. Each day during National Engineers Week, Business Roundtable is highlighting a Roundtable CEO who is also an engineer. Today's profile: Michael H. Jordan, Chairman and CEO of EDS. February 22, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/jordan.html Engineering powers America, including American business. Each day during National Engineers Week, Business Roundtable is highlighting a Roundtable CEO who is also an engineer. Today's profile: Richard K. Templeton, President and CEO of Texas Instruments Incorporated. February 21, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/templeton.html Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? To attract people with a strong background in math and science to teach in K-12 schools, we need to increase starting salaries and provide significant pay increases based on performance. Let us know what you think. February 21, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/ Engineering powers America, including American business. Each day during National Engineers Week, Business Roundtable is highlighting a Roundtable CEO who is also an engineer. Today's profile: Lewis B. Campbell- Chairman, President and CEO of Textron Inc. February 20, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/profiles/campbell.html "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is standing by her pledge to reform science, technology, engineering and math education -- known as STEM -- after committing herself and the House Democrats to an agenda aimed at producing 100,000 scientists, engineers and mathematicians in four years." February 16, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#news Which statement do you agree with? The new emphasis on promoting Advanced Placement (AP) courses is: A) misplaced because there are more fundamental problems to solve in K-12 math and science education or B) sensible because AP courses help prepare students for college and AP tests are a good indicator of future academic performance? Let us know what you think. February 13, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/ TEEMSS 2 - Technology Enhanced Elementary Math and Science - is a project that provides information and communication technology for science education in grades 3-8. TEEMSS 2 offers technology-based learning materials that can be inexpensively integrated into any science curriculum. February 8, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html TAP members commended President Bush for highlighting the importance of math and science education during his State of the Union address. January 26, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#tap Will the new Congress pass legislation in 2007 to address the U.S. talent gap in science, technology, engineering and math? Let us know what you think. January 25, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/ TOYchallenge is a national toy design competition aimed at engaging middle school-age students, especially girls, in science and engineering and inspiring them to pursue careers in those fields. TOYchallenge is organized and supported by Sally Ride Science, which was founded by astronaut Sally Ride to support young women interested in science, math, engineering and technology. January 5, 2007 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html ASTRA, the Alliance for Science and Technology Research in America, has released it's ASTRA Briefs Newsletter for Fall 2006. ASTRA is a unique collaboration of individuals drawn from industry, professional and trade associations, universities, and research centers who are united in common cause to increase federal funding for the physical and mathematical sciences and engineering. The Fall 2006 Brief discusses the November elections, facts about R&D funding in the United States and key statistics on engineering education, among other important topics. December 20, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/ASTRABriefsFall06.pdf Last week, the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce unveiled recommendations calling for the biggest changes in the American education system in a century. Recommendations include revamping the high-school college transition, reallocating funds to high priority strategies for improving system performance and redesigning how schools are funded and managed. The Commission also recommended educating the current workforce to a high standard and creating personal competitiveness accounts. Without these changes, the Commission said, the American standard of living will be in serious jeopardy. December 18, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/related_research.html#n "This is a story about the big public conversation the nation is not having about education, the one that will ultimately determine not merely whether some fraction of our children get 'left behind' but also whether an entire generation of kids will fail to make the grade in the global economy. Today's economy demands not only a high-level competence in the traditional academic disciplines but also what might be called 21st century skills." December 8, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#news eCYBERMISSION is a free, Web-based competition that focuses on strengthening science, math and technology skills in the 6th through 9th grades. The eCYBERMISSION competition helps to promote and recognize real world applications for these skills. December 1, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html Tapping America's Potential (TAP), a coalition of 16 of the nation's leading business organizations, today urged Congress to take action on U.S. competitiveness legislation, particularly measures aimed at improving American math and science education, during the "lame duck" session. November 21, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#tap Developed by The MATHCOUNTS Foundation in 1984, MATHCOUNTS promotes middle school mathematics achievement through grassroots involvement in every U.S. state. November 2, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html "Employers continue to boost starting salaries for the Class of 2006, which is enjoying the strongest job market in four years, according to a recent survey. The biggest beneficiaries are graduates who majored in information sciences and systems: they are taking home 7.5 percent more than they did last year, according to the Fall 2006 edition of Salary Survey, a quarterly report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)." October 30, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#news New TAP poll asks Web site visitors if they worry about the United States losing its science and technological leadership if no public policy changes are made now. October 25, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org "The United States is still the world leader in research and development, but China is gaining ground, according to a study by Battelle and R&D Magazine. Asian governments are making direct investments in R&D, liberalizing their economies and developing a highly educated workforce, the study notes." October 16, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#news Battelle for Kids implemented Project SOAR (Schools' Online Assessment Reports) in 2002 to support Ohio school districts that are committed to continuous school improvement to enhance teaching and learning. October 4, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html In the Fall 2006, Forum Focus, BHEF highlights how corporate America and higher ed can help boost K-12 student achievement. October 3, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/related_research.html#b TAP praised senators on September 18 for introducing the bipartisan National Competitiveness Investment Act (NCIA), which is aimed at boosting U.S. innovation leadership. September 26, 2006 http://www.tap2015.com/news/applauds.html TAP founding member, TechNet, hailed the U.S. Senate for the National Competitiveness Investment Act (NCIA) on September 15, saying that it would fortify America's innovation leadership. September 26, 2006 http://www.tap2015.com/news/index.html#tap In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Minority Leader Harry Reid on September 14, TAP founding member, TechNet, expressed support for the National Competitiveness Investment Act (NCIA). September 26, 2006 http://www.tap2015.com/resource/tap_letters_members.html At the beginning of the year, President Bush decided that an ambitious plan called the American Competitiveness Initiative was important enough to be the centerpiece of his State of the Union Address. It was, and it is. And it's going nowhere. ... Now it lies with GOP legislators to abandon the prospect of forcing ugly legislation down our throats, and to welcome a plan with bipartisan, bicameral support. September 19, 2006 http://www.tap2015.com/news/index.html Nonetheless, some 70 senators are supporting legislation to enhance math and science education, while Congress is poised to increase federal spending on long-term science research by as much as 18 percent this year. September 13, 2006 http://www.tap2015.com/news/index.html "The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the economy will generate 200,000 more engineering jobs by 2014, and many employers are already noticing a shortage of skilled workers in a variety of engineering fields - civil, mechanical, industrial, you name it." September 8, 2006 http://www.tap2015.com/news/index.html#news Tuesday, September 5, TAP founding member, Business Roundtable, delivered a red lunchbox to every Capitol Hill office to remind policymakers that acting now on improved math and science education is critical to our youth's and our nations future success. September 5, 2006 http://www.tap2015.com/resource/back_congress/back_action.html Developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and funded by NSF and U.S. Department of Education, Figure This! was created in response to todays technological society and the need for U.S. Citizens to master skills in higher-level concepts and problem solving. September 1, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html Take a moment to answer a quick poll question presented by TAP. August 31, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/ Meeting the TAP goal of doubling the number of STEM graduates with bachelor's degrees by 2015 and keeping America competitive is going to take national leadership and the combined efforts of lawmakers, business leaders, parents, educators and youth. Congress clearly has an important and leading role to play in this effort. August 31, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/congress/index.html Several proposals have been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate that would advance the President's American Competitiveness Initiative as well as the TAP goal. August 21, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/ The Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America (ASTRA) has put together this comparison of funding for key science and math programs from FY 2005-2007. August 21, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/ On June 27, TAP hosted the first ever Math & Science Fair on Capitol Hill to showcase American innovation and encourage congressional leaders to support polices this year aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness. August 21, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/fair.html On June 27, TAP hosted the first ever Math & Science Fair on Capitol Hill to showcase American innovation and encourage congressional leaders to support polices this year aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness. August 21, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/fair.html On July 18, David Winston, President and Founder of the Winston Group, presented new public opinion research findings on education and competitiveness to the TAP Coalition. August 9, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/winston/winston.html By coming up with ways to make math relevant, the Bush panel can build up America's scientific base so we stay atop a world that spins on the brains of problem solvers and imaginative thinkers. August 7, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#ed Designed to serve students who want a personalized learning experience that prepares them for the global economy where math, science and technology are critical, The Metro School provides a small and vibrant learning community open to students in Franklin Country, Ohio. August 1, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/month.html Even students who don't choose technical careers can benefit from a more rigorous curriculum because many of the jobs they'll seek require strong problem-solving and reasoning skills. State leaders have the best interests of students and Minnesota's economic future in mind in promoting this educational focus. STEM merits strong support and participation. July 23, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#ed Business Roundtable praised the Senate Appropriations Committee for including funding for key education programs in the FY 2007 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Bill. July 20, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/education_programs.html On June 27, TAP hosted the first ever Math & Science Fair on Capitol Hill to showcase American innovation and encourage congressional leaders to support polices this year aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness. July 17, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/fair.html Countries from Ireland to India and from Croatia to China have been investing in their own futures and minting millions of educated workers who want to eat America's lunch. And if we don't remain a step ahead of these new competitors, they will. July 17, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/index.html#ed In a letter to Members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and related Agencies, TAP stresses the importance of math and science program funding. The subcommittee will markup their FY 2007 appropriations bill on July 18. July 11, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/tap_letters.html Letter to Members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies regarding FY 2007 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Bills. July 7, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/resource/appropriations.html Business Roundtable commended the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for approving full funding for the basic research components of President Bush's American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) in the Science/State/Justice/Commerce Appropriations Bill. June 30, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/house_appropriations.html Today, Tapping America's Potential (TAP) - a coalition comprised of the nation's leading business organizations - is hosting its first ever "Math and Science Fair" and reception on Capitol Hill to showcase American innovation and encourage congressional leaders to support policies this year aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness. June 27, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/math_science_fair.html Member companies of Business Roundtable, an association of 160 chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies, are joining other companies from across the country in an unprecedented event today to demonstrate to Congress why policies aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness must be a priority this year. June 27, 2006 http://www.tap2015.org/news/showcase_math_science_fair.html