May 2009
Indiana scores big with emphasis on science and math
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - |
At the 21st Annual Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair, Gov. Mitch Daniels awarded what may be the largest cash award to a student by any governor - $10,000 - to Indiana's top young scientist. Not just the top student, but top scientist. The governor explained, "We love basketball, but it won't pay the rent. Indiana's economic future … depends more than anything else on academic achievement, especially in math and science."
We are delighted the recipient - Chelsea Arthur of New Prairie High School in New Carlisle - has chosen to become a Boilermaker and to study at Purdue. We congratulate Chelsea on her decision to pursue a scientific career. Indiana needs many more of its talented young people pursuing studies in technical fields. Talented, well-educated young people like Chelsea will lead Indiana's economic resurgence in biosciences, engineering and advanced manufacturing. Indiana's universities are world-class, and when Chelsea graduates she will be prepared to compete with the very best graduates from around the world.
We'd like to help develop more Chelseas. At Purdue, in fact, the promotion of science, technology, engineering and math in K-12 is a cornerstone of our strategic plan. And we are encouraged that our Secretary of Education Tony Bennett and the Indiana Commission of Higher Education are behind us.
A recent Indiana Education Roundtable underscored some very telling statistics:
* High school students who take one extra unit of senior-level math increase their odds of completing a bachelor's degree by an astounding 73 percent.
* Only one-third take math in their senior year.
* Less than one-third of Indiana high school students are proficient at math.
* Yet, two-thirds of our high school graduates go directly to college.
As I travel the state and meet with business people, government leaders, teachers and parents, we talk about Indiana's new economy and what it will take for our children to be successful. They will need college education. And to be successful in college, they will need to be prepared coming out of high school. We don't want to just admit our Chelseas. We want them to succeed, wherever they choose to attend.
Indiana is fortunate to have a wide range of colleges and universities, a comprehensive network offering the right fit for everyone, based on academic preparation. And an emphasis on science and math will help these students succeed wherever they enroll.
(Victor Lechtenberg is Purdue University's vice provost for engagement)
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