In the 21st century, prosperity and innovation are inextricably linked with educating new generations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM.
Between 50 and 85 percent of U.S. gross domestic product growth over the last 50 years has been due to advancements in science and engineering, according to a 2010 National Research Council report on U.S. education, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited: Rapidly Approaching Category 5.” Yet, the U.S. ranks 15th in science literacy and 28th in mathematics literacy among top students.
CASC members are committed to reversing this trend, not only for the economic well-being of the nation, but because the most daunting problems facing the U.S. – energy, healthcare, climate change, and national security – will require the expertise of top STEM professionals.
Our members educate and inspire K-12 students and their teachers through workshops, seminars, summer camps, and online training and tools. CASC member institutions also reach out to undergraduates and graduates, offering mentoring, internships, and fellowships. Many of their efforts focus on promising, yet underrepresented pools of untapped American talent. Many centers also extend their reach to the general public, increasing STEM literacy among citizens and policy makers.
Scientific Computation in Action
Girls tend to drift away from the sciences in the critical middle school years, and most never find their way back.
Whether they get Barbie’s famous message that “math is hard,” or simply lose interest for lack of encouragement, our nation loses sorely needed talent.
To motivate and engage girls in science, technology, engineering and math, Louisiana State University’s Center for Computation & Technology (CCT) sponsors “Alice in Computation Land,” a summer camp for girls in grade 6-8. Camp participants simulate a forest fire, model a population of frogs, and learn what it takes to create animation, games, and video. Most of all, they have fun doing it!
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