Eric Thomas or Frances Cox 202-822-9491 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 6, 2007

Compete America Faults Findings in Urban Institute Report

U.S. Businesses Cite Need for Greater Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in U.S. Schools

Washington, D.C. – Compete America today criticized the findings of an Urban Institute report for downplaying the need for improved science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in U.S. schools.
“Into the Eye of the Storm: Assessing the Evidence on Science and Engineering Education, Quality, and Workforce Demand,” takes issue with the findings and conclusions of the October 2005 National Academies’ report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm.”  The Urban Institute’s findings claim that there is no shortage of native-born science and engineering graduates in the United States, and that the U.S. education system for STEM programs has improved to a point that is adequate to meet future demand.

The Urban Institute Report contradicts the findings by such organizations as the Association of American Universities, the Brookings Institution, Council on Competitiveness, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Hart-Rudman Commission, the National Academies, the National Commission on Excellence in Education, the President's Commission on Industrial Competitiveness, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Tapping America’s Potential, the Task Force on the Future of American Innovation, and the Technology CEO Council, among others.  

“U.S. companies need top talent to compete, and the weight of evidence suggests that the United States education system is not producing the number of home-grown scientists and engineers we will need to maintain our innovation leadership in the future,” said Robert Hoffman, Vice President for Government and Public Affairs, Oracle, and Co-Chair of Compete America.  “This study does not negate the need for U.S. companies to be able to access top talent, whether U.S. or foreign-born, to remain competitive.”

For a copy of specific criticisms of the Urban Institute study, click here.

Compete America (www.competeamerica.org) is a coalition of corporations, educators, research institutions and trade associations concerned about legal, employment-based immigration and committed to ensuring that the United States has the highly educated workforce necessary to ensure continued innovation, job creation and leadership in a worldwide economy.
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