|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2009
|
|
|
Contact: Zach Goldberg
202-225-5801 (office) |
|
HOLT HOSTS “D.C. DAY” FOR NEW JERSEY MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION LEADERS
|
|
|
(Washington, DC) – Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today hosted more than 50 educators and leaders in math and science education for another in his series of “D.C. Days.” Participants met with policymakers and thought leaders, discussing ways to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education policy.
“I am excited to welcome to Washington the men and women who recognize how important math and science education is to our students and our society,” Holt said. “Scientists and educators should not be the only ones who care about science and math education. Those concerned about our long-term economic health should care. Those concerned about the ability of future generations to compete in a new global economy should care. Those concerned about future innovation and progress should care.”
Holt has been a leader in Congress to strengthen math and science education. Since 2002, Rep. Holt has helped increase funding for the Department of Education’s Math and Science Partnerships by more than $150 million. These partnerships improve student achievement in mathematics and science by combining colleges with K-12 school districts in order to support math and science teachers with continued training.
He wrote a number of initiatives in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137), which was signed into law on August 14, 2008. These provisions included the establishment of loan forgiveness for employees working in STEM fields, and the creation of Science and Technology Advanced Foreign Language Grants, which award funding to college and university programs that encourage students to develop science and technological knowledge. Holt also helped establish the Mathematics & Science Scholars Program, which provides grants and loan forgiveness to students who commit to five consecutive years of service in a math or science field after graduation. With Rep. Holt’s support, the Higher Education Opportunity Act also authorized the creation of a National STEM Database to provide students with information on financial assistance for postsecondary and graduate programs in STEM. This database will help capable students who are interested in STEM careers find scholarships to further their studies.
Wednesday’s speakers included representatives from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of Universities, and the House Education and Labor Committee. Also speaking were Sally Shuler, the Executive Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Science Resource Center, Steve Robinson, Special Advisor to the Secretary of Education, Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), and Rep. Vern Ehlers (MI-3).
D.C. Days are day-long meetings where residents from New Jersey can discuss the latest in federal policies with Holt and other leaders in Washington, and where those in Washington can learn about the concerns and initiatives of those in attendance. Holt most recently hosted D.C. Days with primary care providers and first responders.
Attending the day-long event were leaders in education from across New Jersey, including:
Chris Anderson, New Jersey Technology Education Association
Dr. Anne N. Catena, Princeton University
Dr. Margaret Ann Chappell, The Stars Challenge
Dr. Stephen Chappell, The Stars Challenge
Deborah Cook, Rutgers University
Richard DeLisi, Rutgers University
Maria DeLucia, Middlesex County College
Dr. John Dobosiewicz, Kean University
Anndria Gaerity, PSEG
Dr. Donald Generals, Mercer County Community College
Robert Goodman, Bergen County Technical High School
Rosemarie Gorini, Raritan Valley Community College
Lynne Greenblatt, Wyeth/ American Chemical Society
Yvonne Greenbaum, Mercer County Community College
Rose Higgins, NJ Marine Sciences Consortium/ NJ Sea Grant
David Hoo, Math Learning Exchange
Dr. Deborah Ives, Association of Mathematics Teachers of NJ
Dave Janosz, New Jersey Technology Education Association
Lavinia Kumar, Middletown Public Schools
Jean Kutcher, Rider University
Chan Leung, NJ State 4-H Association
Dr. Laura Y. Lorentzen, Kean University, NJ Center for Science, Technology, and Math Education
Charles Marsee, Retired Science Educator
Janice McDonnel, Rutgers University, Science, Engineering, and Technology 4-H
Elizabeth McGrath, Stevens Institute of Technology
Ron Mezzadri, Fair Lawn School District
Frederick Montana, Middlesex County College
Eva Nagy, Franklin Township Schools
David Niemierowski, New Jersey Technology Education Association
Dr. Michael Palladino, Monmouth University, School of Science
Elyse Pernick, Rutgers University, CMSCE
Antonella Pompo, Raritan Valley Community College
Joseph Potenza, Rutgers University
Dr. John T. Roberts, Franklin Township Schools
Lisa Rothenburger, Somerset County 4-H Youth Development
Joe Schwartz, East Brunswick Public Schools
Harriet Schweitzer, Rutgers University, Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education
Barbara Seidman, Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences
Edward Seto, Franklin Township Schools
Anthony Shallop, Middletown Township Board of Education
Sharon Sherman, Rider University
Dr. Ronald Todd, DWL Associates, LLC
Barbara Tozzi, Brookdale Community College
Dr. Diane Trainor, Middlesex County College
Linda Treilman, Association of Mathematics Teachers of NJ
Judith Wilson, Princeton Public Schools
Michael Zapicchi, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District/ Principal
|
|
|
|
|
