December 4, 2018

The White House unveiled its five-year strategic plan for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education on December 4. The report, entitled “Chartering a Course for Success: America’s Strategy for STEM Education,” outlines the administration’s goals and approaches for advancing STEM education and workforce over the next five years.

The 2018-2023 plan highlights the federal government’s role in promoting STEM education by working with private partnerships and removing barriers to participation in STEM careers, especially for women and other underrepresented groups. It acknowledges that the innovation capacity, prosperity, and security of the United States depends on an effective and inclusive STEM education ecosystem, and envisions a future “where all Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the United States will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment.”

The report describes three aspirational goals: (1) building strong foundations for STEM literacy, (2) increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and (3) preparing the STEM workforce for the future. It further outlines four pathways to achieving those goals: (1) developing and enriching strategic partnerships, (2) engaging students where disciplines converge, (3) building computational literacy, and (4) operating with transparency and accountability.

A press release accompanying the report tied the goals of the report to President Donald Trump’s ongoing commitment to expanding STEM education and employment opportunities, such as a presidential memorandum signed in June 2017 directing the Department of Education to make STEM and computer science education a top priority. 

“My Administration will do everything possible to provide our children, especially kids in underserved areas, with access to high-quality education in science, technology, engineering, and math,” President Trump said in the press release.

The report was compiled by the Office of Science and Technology Policy’s National Science and Technology Council, as required by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 11-358), and builds on the 2013-2018 strategic plan released by the Obama administration.

Sources: Library of Congress; The White House.