While the nation is concerned about the shortage of teachers at the K-12 grade levels, especially in science and mathematics, there is also continuous concern about attracting and retaining more students in these subject areas. Looking to the year 2000 and beyond, we face the potential of a serious shortfall in the number of individuals entering the fields of science and mathematics. In the years ahead, these underrepresented minorities will constitute a growing population within the pool of students from which a highly skilled workforce will be drawn.
Minorities are underrepresented at every level from elementary to graduate school.
As the nation's economic base shifts increasingly toward technology, participation and achievement in science and mathematics among minority students become increasingly important. Unfortunately, minority students, those who form the most rapidly growing portion of our school-age population, are the ones that are most left out of science and mathematics. By not studying these subjects, both the minority students and the United States as a whole stand to lose. Further,a basic understanding of science and mathematics is essential for all students, not only those pursuing careers in scientific and technical fields. The United States can meet future potential shortfalls of scientists and engineers only by reaching out and bringing members of underrepresented minorities into science and engineering.