Washington, DC – April 18, 2002— A coalition of nearly 60 companies and trade associations, chaired by AeA, yesterday sent a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee members urging them to support full funding for the Math/Science Partnership program authorized under Title II, Part B of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act of 2001.

The Math/Science Partnership Program was created to improve student achievement in math and science by allowing high-need school districts to partner with math and science departments at colleges and universities. Businesses can also participate in the partnerships. The partnership could address a variety of issues, including teacher training and professional development, curriculum development, distance learning, and exchange programs.

"The business community is concerned that not enough students are graduating with sufficient math and science skills to pursue college degrees in these disciplines or enter the workforce," said Thom Stohler, AeA vice president for technology and workforce policy. "The Math/Science Partnership Program has the flexibility to address local school district needs, while opening a new avenue for companies to assist their communities in improving education."

Stohler further added, "The members of the Math/Science Partnership Working Group want to be sure Congress is aware of the strong support within the business community to improve education, especially math and science education. Unfortunately, the current funding level of $12.5 million provided to the Math/Science Partnership Program is insufficient to address the challenge of improving math and science achievement in grades K-12. To ensure the goals set by the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act in math are met, the Math/Science Partnership must receive adequate funding so it can be a formula-based national program. The formula only kicks in when the program is funded at $100 million or above."

For more information about the Math/Science Partnership program: http://www.aeanet.org/governmentaffairs/gaet_mspmainpage.asp.