Washington, D.C. — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today welcomed the release of “Charting A Course For Success: America’s Strategy For STEM Education,” the White House’s five-year strategic STEM education plan.

Increasing access to STEM education programs is key to the continued success of the American innovation economy, but the U.S. faces a growing skills gap that is leaving too many Americans unable to secure well-paying jobs in high-skilled sectors. In 2016, there were approximately 3.3 million STEM job openings posted online, but that same year U.S. universities graduated just 568,000 students with STEM degrees.

The following statement can be attributed to TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore:

“Neither the private sector nor policymakers should rest until STEM courses are taught in every school in America. It is an urgent economic and national security imperative for our nation to boost STEM education and training for Americans of all ages, and to encourage teachers, mentors, the private sector, and other partners to not only instruct but keep people engaged in these exciting fields.

“We commend the Trump Administration for its commitment to strengthening STEM education and training in the U.S., especially its call for boosting public-private partnerships and promoting a more diverse and inclusive STEM talent pipeline. Our nation’s full potential can only be achieved if all Americans have access to the STEM education and training resources they need to succeed in the digital economy. In 2019 and beyond, TechNet looks forward to continuing our work with the White House, Congress, and state and local policymakers to advance STEM education policies.”