Astronaut Scholarship Foundation: America's Technological Future

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Action Is Needed to Ensure America's Technological Future

According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), for the past two decades the U.S. college-age population declined by more than 21% — from 21.6 million in 1980 to 17 million in the year 2000.
The NSF cited that between 1986 and 1998 students graduating with engineering degrees decreased by 21%, earth, atmosphere and ocean sciences by 29%, mathematical/computer sciences by 32%, and aerospace and electrical engineering by 50%. This is occurring in the face of an expected 50% increase in demand for scientists and engineers over the next decade.
The NSF statistics reflect that technology represents about 50% of U.S. economic growth, but America's production of scientists and engineers is not keeping pace.
NASA predicts, between now and 2009, the United States is expected to create nearly 2 million new jobs in science and engineering fields. The U.S. is also expected to graduate about 2 million students with BS, MS, or Ph.D degrees in Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Biology/Life Sciences during that same time period.
However, 2 million Science and Engineering degreed workers will retire between now and 2009. Therefore, the number of new Science and Engineering graduates will not be adequate to fill new jobs and cover anticipated retirements. America will fall short by about 2 million graduates.
"The shortage of technically skilled workers is a fundamental threat to economic growth of the United States. It hurts 'high tech' companies and also hampers the growth of the entire economy by lowering the productivity increases available with latest technology products," said former NASA Administrator Dan Goldin.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that undergraduate college costs have risen 50% from 1986, skyrocketing tuition (including room and board) to an average of $10,421. In addition, lab and research fees can add $3,000 to tuition annually.
America's future will depend more on advanced technology. The countries that do not keep up will lose.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation accepts the challenge of educating a new generation of scientists and engineers. Together we can keep America in the forefront.