14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft applauded President Barack Obama for making science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education nothing short of a national priority, according to Pamela Passman, corporate vice president, Global Corporate Affairs. The Redmond company indicates that it will back government efforts designed to drive interest in math and science for American kids, while also contributing to raising their level worldwide. Microsoft has warned on repeated occasions that US students deliver an inferior performance to their peers from England, China and Japan, as revealed by international math and science benchmarks.
“Microsoft has invested significantly in programs that encourage and excite young people to become interested and proficient in math and science, and in tools that support effective teaching of STEM subjects. The national competition to develop STEM-related video games announced by President Obama today, which Microsoft is proud to sponsor in the 12 to 16 year-old age category, is a great example. On an annual basis, our commitment of cash, software and volunteer time to advance STEM skills totals hundreds of millions of dollars,” Passman noted.
In this regard, the software giant made available for download a whitepaper titled “STEM: A Foundation for the Future,” designed to deliver a perspective over its efforts and investments in improving the education system in the US. The seven-page whitepaper is available via this link and will provide an insight into Microsoft’s own contributions to STEM education.
“The future of our nation’s economic competitiveness is directly related to the ability of our young people to use such skills to innovate across a range of fields, including IT, manufacturing, energy and health care,” Passman added. “Now more than ever, all students need specialized knowledge to succeed in our complex, technologically advanced and globally competitive world. The vast majority of family-wage jobs in the 21st century will require employees with technical skills and an aptitude for life-long learning.”