STEM initiative could foster competition

STEM education got a boost today as The Mathworks hosted Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, who signed an executive order establishing the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council (see related article). To the extent that Massachusetts serves as a model for other states, the new Council could spur on STEM initiatives nationwide. In addition, the governor’s initiative could improve the competitive position of Massachusetts in applying for federal support, which in turn could encourage other states to start or improve their own STEM programs as they strive to compete.

In comments after the signing ceremony, Patrick emphasized that Massachusetts already has strong STEM programs, but he added that they are organic. They might be effective, he said, but added, “If you really want to lift the whole Commonwealth, you have to have a much more coordinated strategy, and the Council will do this.”

When asked about federal support for STEM, Patrick said, “I know it sounds boastful, but it’s true that we [Massachusetts] are setting benchmarks in federal policy.” He added, “There is a lot going on. What we need is greater coordination, and at a time when everybody is fiscally stressed, we need to make sure we are having a laser-like impact. I think what we get from the federal government is a lot of encouragement, and Congress has looked at us in some ways as a laboratory for things that work.”

He noted that the federal government is making available $4.5 billion for certain STEM programs. Those funds won’t be just spread around to all the states. “The funds are set aside for states that have real breakout ideas,” he said, adding that Massachusetts will be competing for its share.

In the accompanying news article, I note that the Lieutenant Governor cited part of the Massachusetts Constitution that encourages the study of science. Here is the section:

Chapter V, Section II.
The Encouragement of Literature, etc.

Wisdom, and knowledge, as well as virtue, diffused generally among the body of the people, being necessary for the preservation of their rights and liberties; and as these depend on spreading the opportunities and advantages of education in the various parts of the country, and among the different orders of the people, it shall be the duty of legislatures and magistrates, in all future periods of this commonwealth, to cherish the interests of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries of them; especially the university at Cambridge, public schools and grammar schools in the towns; to encourage private societies and public institutions, rewards and immunities, for the promotion of agriculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades, manufactures, and a natural history of the country; to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and frugality, honesty and punctuality in their dealings; sincerity, good humor, and all social affections, and generous sentiments among the people.

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