A United States Navy official recently announced a plan to improve its focus on America's science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM) over the five years. The Navy hopes this will help strengthen the service's somewhat uncertain future workforce, as well as inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
A press release issued by the U.S. Navy states they will invest more than $100 million in science and technology education by 2015. This move is to be made in conjunction with Obama's call to improve STEM over the next decade.
Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, said he is keen on doubling the Navy's investment during Wednesday's Naval STEM Forum in Alexandria, Va.:
"We are going to double it in a targeted and innovative way so that we reach the maximum number of people and have the maximum impact."
The Navy is initiating this strategy due to an aging science and technology workforce. According to the press release, more than 50 percent of the Navy's scientists, engineers, and employees in similar fields will reach eligible retirement by 2020.
Mabus told Fox News this could mean trouble down the line:
"Right now [the U.S.] are the leaders in technology -- military and otherwise -- but there are some concerning signs on the horizon that we are not filling up the pipeline."
Bill Nye, known across America as "The Science Guy," will be delivering the event's keynote speech. He told Fox News that Navy's concerns aren't an exaggeration:
"People are allowed to graduate not knowing much algebra or science. This is a very serious problem. The United States has achieved world eminence through this innovation. But if the U.S. doesn't innovate it will fall behind."