[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF H. RES. 91, CELEBRATING AND ENCOURAGING DIVERSITY IN STEM 
 AND RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN 
                                SCIENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. 
Res. 91, a resolution celebrating and encouraging diversity in Science, 
Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM), and recognizing the 40th 
anniversary of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS).
  Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education is vital to our 
nation's ability to compete in the global marketplace, and ultimately 
fulfill goals set forth in this Congress and recently outlined by 
President Obama in his State of the Union Address. In our pursuit to 
win the future, we must not only ensure that our schools promote math 
and science, but that all students, especially those from traditionally 
underrepresented populations, engage in STEM education.
  Our nation will continue to require highly educated, well trained 
professionals to take on the careers of tomorrow, and we must strive to 
encourage diversity in STEM. America has been at the forefront of the 
world's technological advances for the last century; contributing to 
breakthroughs in medicine, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and 
numerous other fields. By helping foster a new generation of doctors, 
nurses, engineers, scientific researchers, and mathematicians, we can 
continue to contribute to this legacy to the world for generations to 
come.
  Encouraging further investment in STEM education is essential. Over 
the past year, I have hosted two events that have encouraged women and 
minorities to consider careers within STEM education. We live in a 
world of opportunity and America has been at the root of the world's 
technological and scientific advances for the past century. By helping 
to foster a new generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and 
mathematicians, we can continue our legacy for the next hundred years.
  The Association for Women in Science has, for 40 years, ensured 
diversity in STEM, promoting equality for the ever increasing number of 
women beyond our nation's classrooms; those in the professional STEM 
workforce. According to the National Science Foundation, in 2006 women 
accounted for just 23 percent of graduate students in engineering, and 
made up about 34 percent of the engineering workforce. The Association 
plays a vital role in inspiring women, ensuring diversity in STEM.
  Mr. Speaker, I am happy to support this resolution, to further 
diversity in STEM, and to recognize the Association for Women in 
Science for its continued contributions to our nation's future.

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