SLS 12RS-3840 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2012
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 120
BY SENATOR APPEL
POSTSECONDARY ED. Requests the Board of Regents to develop a strategy to attract
more students to and graduate more students in STEM disciplines.
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request the Board of Regents to develop a strategy to attract more students to,2
and graduate more students from, the state's colleges and universities in the fields of3
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).4
WHEREAS, the scientific, technological, and engineering advances of the 20
th
5
century fueled the economic dominance of the United States; and6
WHEREAS, as we moved into the 21
st
century and it became clear that our economic7
preeminence was threatened as other countries became more educated and started gaining8
economic ground, national leaders began calling for increased recruitment of students to9
STEM fields of study; and10
WHEREAS, careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics serve to11
increase the state's and the nation's capacity for innovation as it engenders the creation of12
new ideas, companies, and industries; and13
WHEREAS, the urgent need for improved education in STEM disciplines is14
evidenced by the decreasing percentage of students entering and completing STEM degrees15
in postsecondary educational institutions; and16
WHEREAS, the United States produces fewer STEM graduates relative to other17
economically developed countries; and18 SR NO. 120
SLS 12RS-3840 ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, according to the January 2012, U.S. Department of Commerce report,1
"The Competitiveness and Innovative Capacity of the United States", only fifty percent of2
students who start college in a STEM major graduate with a STEM related degree.3
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana4
does hereby urge and request the Board of Regents to develop a strategy to attract more5
students to, and graduate more students from, the state's colleges and universities in the6
fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the board submit a written report of its findings8
and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Education not later than March 1, 2013.9
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the10
chairman of the Board of Regents and the commissioner of higher education.11
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Jeanne C. Johnston.
DIGEST
Appel SR No. 120
Requests the Board of Regents to develop a strategy to attract more students to, and graduate
more students from, the state's colleges and universities in the fields of Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Requires submission of a written report of findings and recommendations to the Senate
Education Committee not later than March 1, 2013.