Blocked By Senate, Obama Turns to Sesame Street & Corporations to Invigorate Science Ed

by Mike Smith · 2009-11-24 07:00:00 UTC
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Over 100 schools, student groups and non-profit orgs have signed a letter addressed to the Senate demanding they provide funds that President Obama is seeking for the Re-Energyse program. The program aims to build the "intellectual capacity to transform the country's energy system" reports the Times. Obama wanted $115 million, which was cut to $7 million by the House, and to zero by the Senate. An impressive range of schools, universities, research centers and leading non-profits have signed the letter to demand the Senate invest in "Generation E" — a generation excited by science and education. Hopefully excited enough to get them to take their science education further, and build a green energy future.

Frustrated by the lack of support from the Senate, President Obama asked for help from the private sector, and will get some additional help from Elmo and Big Bird in providing programming to inspire. The campaign "Educate to Innovate" will also work with companies and non-profits to provide out-of-class activities aimed at encouraging participation in math, science, engineering, and technology. Critics note that this effort will fail to address core issues of improving the quality of teachers and curriculum, but without the Senate's help the money simply isn't there. America will fall further behind on science ed, and be so much more likely lose the new battle with China to innovate in the green technology and energy sector. A new inspired generation is essential for America to compete globally.

Photo: Mark Sebastian

Mike Smith is associate editor at Change.org.
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