The United States has a longstanding trend of underinvesting in education R&D and the development of a STEM workforce that can effectively be deployed to solve today’s challenges. This threatens America’s national security and competitiveness, and hampers our ability to lead across myriad economic sectors.
FAS envisions a future where all learners and workers can access pathways to the STEM workforce and are prepared to rise to the challenges of the future, allowing the United States to lead across myriad economic sectors and bolster its national security. We advocate for innovative and evidence-based approaches to education and workforce pathways to help realize that future.
Moving postsecondary education data collection to the states is the best way to ensure that the U.S. Department of Education can meet its legislative mandates in an era of constrained federal resources.
Supporting children’s development through health, nutrition, education, and protection programs helps the U.S. achieve its national security and economic interests, including the Administration’s priorities to make America “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
To strengthen federal–state alignment, upcoming AI initiatives should include three practical measures: readiness assessments before fund distribution, outcomes-based contracting tied to student progress, and tiered implementation support reflecting district capacity.
FAS is invested in seeing more students gain science and technology skills and enter STEM careers, both for students and for our country’s competitive advantage.
The federal government is closely examining how it plays a role in supporting students, families, and educators – reimagining its approach to funding education R&D, pausing much of its investment in education outside the U.S., and completely reconceiving the structure of agencies responsible for education.
The Day One Project is partnering with 100Kin10 to host a Future of STEM Learning Policy Accelerator to identify, develop, and publish a set of education-focused policy ideas.