By KENNETH CHANG - NEW YORK TIMES
Added: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC

Thanks to Catalin for the link.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/science/24educ.html?_r=1

To improve science and mathematics education for American children, the White House is recruiting Elmo and Big Bird, video game programmers and thousands of scientists.

President Obama announced on Monday a campaign to enlist companies and nonprofit groups to spend money, time and volunteer effort to encourage students, especially in middle and high school, to pursue science, technology, engineering and math.

“You know the success we seek is not going to be attained by government alone,” Mr. Obama said kicking off the initiatives. “It depends on the dedication of students and parents, and the commitment of private citizens, organizations and companies. It depends on all of us.”

Mr. Obama, accompanied by students and a robot that scooped up and tossed rocks, also announced an annual science fair at the White House.

“If you win the N.C.A.A. championship, you come to the White House,” he said. “Well, if you’re a young person and you’ve produced the best experiment or design, the best hardware or software, you ought to be recognized for that achievement, too.
...
Continue reading
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/science/24educ.html?_r=1

TAGGED: EDUCATION, POLITICS, SCIENCE