[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN STEM BOOSTER ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2014

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, together, women and 
minorities comprise 2/3 of the entire United States workforce. Women 
today make up half of the current workforce, yet they still hold less 
than a quarter of all Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 
(STEM) jobs. Minority populations including African-American, Hispanic, 
and Asian populations make up only 28 percent of the STEM workforce.
  Between 2010 and 2020, STEM career fields are expected to grow by 8.5 
million jobs. These jobs pay 35 more percent than jobs in other fields. 
Furthermore, there is a great demand for workers with scientific, 
technological, engineering, and mathematics-based skills. STEM-educated 
graduates are more likely to find jobs in the manufacturing sector, the 
industry most likely to boost our economy and increase competition.
  Background in a STEM education is essential to the many jobs that are 
opening in the manufacturing industry. America's manufacturing sector 
has led our economic recovery and will help the United States remain 
competitive in economic competition with emerging economies. However, 
in order to return to pre-recession level, the manufacturing sector 
must add 1.7 million jobs. Women and minorities engaged in STEM 
training have greater opportunity to contribute to the manufacturing 
sector and boost our global economy.
  That is why I'm introducing the House version of S. 288, the Women 
and Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2014. This bill will authorize 
competitive grant programs for three years through the National Science 
Foundation. The grants will go to online workshops, mentoring programs, 
internships, and outreach programs to engage women and minorities in 
STEM university departments, educational partnerships, and non-profit 
organizations to encourage the participation of women and minorities in 
STEM.
  America must invest in the potential of our entire workforce in order 
for our manufacturing sector to expand and our global competitiveness 
rise. Opportunities in STEM education will empower historically 
underrepresented groups who will help boost our economy so that it 
reaches its full capacity. I urge my colleagues to support the 
availability of STEM opportunities for all students in the United 
States.

                          ____________________