82R19479 JH-D
By: Sheffield H.R. No. 1150
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, In the global economy of the 21st century, the
fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
are of paramount importance, and the future prosperity of our state
and nation depends on the availability of a highly educated
workforce that is adept in these subjects; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, statistics show that young people in
the United States are lagging behind their counterparts in other
countries in these vital areas; currently, U.S. 12th graders are
performing below the average of students from 21 other nations in
math and science, and in the next decade 80 percent of all jobs will
require skills in those disciplines; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the significance of this issue, Time
Warner Cable launched the Connect a Million Minds initiative in
November 2009; this five-year program is designed to inspire
students to develop the STEM skills they need to become the problem
solvers of tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, Connect a Million Minds seeks to put young people in
touch with after-school opportunities and resources that focus on
STEM-related learning; as part of the effort, Time Warner Cable
created the educational curriculum "Cracking the Codes in the
Digital World" in 2010 to showcase digital technology, and it has
already been used by thousands of middle school students across 28
states; and
WHEREAS, The company is introducing a new hands-on,
interactive curriculum, "Cracking the Codes in the Wireless World,"
during the week of April 4 through 8, 2011; based on national
science standards, it is designed to allow middle school students
to gain greater insight into wireless communication technology and
promises to be a useful tool in getting them excited about STEM
concepts; and
WHEREAS, By encouraging youth to develop a solid foundation
of knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math, Texans
can help ensure that the Lone Star State is well positioned to meet
the challenges and opportunities of the future, and the Connect a
Million Minds program is an innovative means of meeting that vital
goal; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 4 through 8, 2011, as Connect a
Million Minds Week and urge all citizens to learn more about this
worthwhile initiative.