Land of Plenty: Diversity as America's Competitive Edge In Science, Engineering, And Technology

Abstract

After describing the threat posed to the nation's economy by the looming shortage of engineers and technical workers, the commission notes that if women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities were represented in the U.S. science, engineering, and technology workforce in parity with their percentages in the overall workforce population, the threat could be greatly diminished. Active discouragement, a dearth of role models, and a lack of exposure to science and technology are undermining interest in technical careers among students in these groups. The importance of media campaigns in this area and of government investment is stressed. The commission recommends that all states enact legislation requiring school districts to collect achievement data on students broken down to reveal socioeconomic status, English proficiency, disability status, race, ethnicity, and sex.