[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1904]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING TIME WARNER CABLE FOR THEIR CONNECT A MILLION MINDS PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2013

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Time Warner Cable for its 
Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) initiative designed to inspire the next 
generation of problem solvers by connecting young people to the wonders 
of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) outside of the 
classroom.
  Time Warner Cable's campaign includes original public service 
announcements and programming, millions of dollars in grants to support 
non-profit organizations that introduce students to STEM in fun and 
informal settings and the creation of ``The Connectory,'' a one-of-a-
kind resource that allows parents to find kid-centric STEM learning 
opportunities in their own backyard. CAMM also encourages Time Warner 
Cable employees to volunteer at science fairs, robotics competitions 
and local Connect a Million Minds events.
  In this time of increased global competition and rapid technological 
change, STEM fields have become increasingly important for the 
development and maintenance of America's high standard of living. 
Unfortunately U.S. students' performance in STEM subjects has fallen 
behind their international peers. As of 2009, the average math literacy 
score for a 15-year old in the United States is lower than 17 other 
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member 
countries, and is lower than 12 other OECD countries on science 
literacy. Perhaps most troubling, data found that only one out of every 
five households had access to STEM extracurricular activities. 
Meanwhile, even in school, students today spend less time studying 
science than they did just 15-20 years ago.
  Today, employers report that they are having a difficult time finding 
qualified applicants for STEM jobs, which, on average, pay $77,880, 
versus an average of only $43,460 for non-STEM jobs. This is a problem 
which will only worsen without serious effort and focus, as it is 
estimated that jobs in STEM fields will grow 17 percent by 2018, almost 
double the rate of non-STEM jobs. Given these figures, it is difficult 
to understate the importance of STEM education for both our nation's 
collective economic future and the future our nation's students.
  In one program in New York, beginning in early February of this year, 
students will have a chance to see professionals at the BluePearl 
Veterinary Partners working in the field and help them using real 
equipment. Through their many programs they give students from low 
income families the chance to learn science through scuba diving, 
receiving tutoring, and going on field trips with STEM professionals. I 
am looking forward to working with them on programs in my Congressional 
District.
  The CAMM program has not only focused resources in New York City, but 
also in cities, towns and states. With increased attention and support 
from community figures and leaders in the industries that will someday 
hire students in STEM fields, CAMM looks to be a tremendous success. In 
closing, I congratulate Time Warner Cable for its CAMM initiative; and 
I hope my colleagues understand the importance of such initiatives for 
all of our communities.

                          ____________________