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Veasey Introduces Bill to Help Curb the Nation’s STEM Skills Gap

September 21, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, introduced H.R. 6064, the Partnerships for the Future Act, to better train students in well-paying jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Congressman Veasey’s Partnerships for the Future Act would direct the Department of Labor to create a competitive grant pilot program to provide additional tools for educating and training our workforce to thrive in the 21st century workforce.

“My home state of Texas is paving the way in STEM curriculum partnerships,” said Congressman Veasey. “Bell Helicopter, the Fort Worth Independent School District, and Tarrant County College have partnered to implement a curriculum for aviation and engineering programs, offering students industry certification and dual credit. It is time for us to continue this positive trend and help provide opportunities for young Americans to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in occupations related to STEM are projected to grow to more than 9 million jobs between 2012 and 2022. Despite these trends, our nation faces a skills gap that arises from a lack of STEM skills in the workforce. Veasey’s legislation would reinforce that jobs in the STEM fields are fun, and inspire our youth to thrive in today’s global market.

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