The STEM Education Coalition is a group that focuses on raising awareness amongst United States policy makers on the importance of educating youth on science, technology, engineering and math subjects. They believe that this is a key part of keeping the United States a global technological and economic leader.
In April of 2019, the STEM Education Coalition constructed a letter pushing for an increase in STEM education funding. It was sent to the chair of the Senate, the House Committees on Appropriations and Labor-HHS-Education, and the Commerce Justice Science subcommittee.
The Coalition is advocating for increased funding on behalf of both the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation. In order for this to happen, there would need to be an increase in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title IV, Part A, making it a priority for the FY2020 appropriations cycle.
The coalition has the backing of over 50 education, professional and business organizations who signed onto their letter. Their goal is to get Congress to provide ESSA with the full budget, $1.6 billion, in the next budget.
An increase in funding for the program will supply educators with the tools they need to properly teach their students STEM curriculum and push them in the direction of pursuing STEM degrees and careers.
The passing of this budget is critical to the continuation of quality STEM education for students K-12. The STEM Education Coalition’s continuous efforts to give students STEM opportunities and education is key to the future of STEM in America.
