Supporting the goals and ideals of Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month.

Whereas mathematical and statistical research is ongoing, revealing new results and applications every day in fields such as medicine, cybersecurity, manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, and business; Whereas mathematics and statistics are important drivers of innovation in our technical world; Whereas education in the mathematical and statistical sciences is foundational and serves as a connecting fabric for all advances in science and engineering; Whereas science and engineering are becoming increasingly computational and data-based, extending the need for quantitative, statistical, and computational skills to all fields; Whereas advances in mathematical and statistical sciences enable understanding of complex systems and design of new technology, with implications for societal challenges in health, defense, energy, transportation, and other areas; Whereas Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month began in 1986 as Mathematics Awareness Week with a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan; Whereas Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month is now held each year in April with the goal to increase public understanding of and appreciation for the mathematical and statistical sciences; Whereas participation by United States women, African Americans, American Indians or Alaska natives, and Hispanics or Latinos as percentages of PhD recipients in the mathematical sciences have persistently been out of step with national demographics, 28 percent, 3 percent, 0.5 percent, and 3.5 percent, respectively, over the years 2005–2020 in comparison with 51 percent, 13 percent, 1.3 percent, and 18.5 percent in the general population for the same period; Whereas the sponsors of Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month are working together to transform the mathematical and statistical sciences workforce through greater inclusion of women and underrepresented minorities; Whereas a more diverse mathematical sciences workforce would enhance the mathematical sciences and also advance the national security and economic interests of the country; Whereas the sponsors of Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month are working together to maintain the United States global preeminence in the mathematics and statistics; Whereas engaging young students, parents, and educators in hands-on activities inspires future generations of talent in the mathematical and statistical sciences; Whereas Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month activities are organized across the country by college and university departments, institutional public information offices, student groups, and related associations and interest groups and include a wide variety of workshops, competitions, exhibits, festivals, lectures, and symposia; and Whereas April is designated as Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, to celebrate mathematics and statistics and the diverse researchers and students in these fields who are contributing so much to furthering discoveries and solving global problems: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month to increase the visibility of mathematics and statistics as fields of study and to communicate the myriad benefits of education in mathematics and statistics; (2) recognizes that mathematics and statistics underpin all of the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), which are critical to the United States education system and economic prosperity; and (3) celebrates the role that mathematics and statistics play in the everyday lives of all Americans, including in our technology, cybersecurity, news, games, literature, music, and education.

Summary: This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month.