Ruppersberger and Lyons Announce Money for National Security STEM Initiative in Anne Arundel County

(Annapolis, MD) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Maryland Secretary of Higher Education James E Lyons, Sr. announced $381,000 for a new National Security STEM initiative in Anne Arundel County.  Through a public-private partnership, the federal funds will help boost Maryland’s global competitiveness by focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for middle school students, especially near Fort Meade, the home of the National Security Agency.  The partnership will also be critical to prepare young people for the tens of thousands of new jobs being moved to Maryland through military base closures known as BRAC.        
 
“In our world that is becoming more and more competitive every day, it is critically important that American children stay a step ahead in these important areas of study.  Whether these students become scientists, engineers, mathematicians, or technology experts and work at the National Security Agency or at another employer in the government or the private sector, this training will serve them well in whatever career they choose to pursue,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).   

“Governor Martin O’Malley has directed Maryland to be a frontrunner through his P-20 Leadership Council when it comes to STEM programs,” said Secretary James E. Lyons, Sr.  “As the world becomes more globally competitive in this growing economy, Maryland needs to keep up in these four major fields.  We need to position ourselves as a worldwide leader when it comes to producing the best scientists, technological experts, engineers, and mathematicians at Maryland’s outstanding colleges and universities as well as our elementary, middle, and high schools.  Additionally, this initiative will help more of our students eventually compete for substantial BRAC jobs coming to Maryland.”  

Congressman Ruppersberger serves on the House Intelligence and Appropriations Committees.  According to the National Science Foundation, China awarded more than 440,000 degrees in engineering last year compared to only 65,000 here in the United States.  Congressman Ruppersberger believes it is critically important to attract the best and the brightest to the national security STEM field.  The money was included in the omnibus spending measure that passed Congress and was signed by the President earlier this year.