Release Date: April 5, 2002 | Last Updated Date: April 5, 2002
The preeminence of California’s science and technology industries and the leading role our researchers play in technology innovation have helped create a state with tremendous economic diversity and strength. High-tech industries, ranging from aerospace to biotechnology to movie production, provide jobs, sustain a high standard of living, and offer innumerable other benefits to California residents. However, our own citizens are not being prepared in adequate numbers for the important, challenging – and well-paid – science and technology jobs, a fact that has not received adequate attention.
California’s educational system is simply not producing the science and engineering graduates needed to meet industry’s growing requirement for skilled workers. Furthermore, the participation by women and the state’s fast growing ethnic groups in high-tech jobs is lagging behind. These factors are threatening California’s leadership in science and technology and, given the state’s leading role in the technology sector, will also jeopardize our national prosperity and security.
CCST has responded to this pressing concern by producing a Critical Path Analysis of California’s Science and Technology Education System. This study, for the first time, analyzes the educational system as a whole, integrated, and inseparable system. It identifies how schools at all levels can better prepare future scientists, engineers, and skilled technical workers. No part of the system works in isolation and the solutions to the problems identified will require crossing boundaries between educational systems, the government, and industry.