Ridge Global LLC

October 31, 2007 - Leading education experts from academia, business, government and non-profit sectors gathered in Washington, DC, on Wednesday to participate in a national education forum designed to address America's performance in math and science at the middle and high school levels. 

Spearheaded by The Honorable Tom Ridge and Deloitte USA LLP, the forum, entitled "Science, Technology and Math Education in America: Bridging the Student Engagement Divide," produced an in-depth discussion and strategy session on how to advance America's future workforce in a global economy where math, science and technology proficiencies are essential for success. 

Known for his strong commitment to education reform and innovative education initiatives while governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge said, "The success of the United States in the global marketplace requires strong skills in math and science. The declining number of students graduating with math and science degrees in the United States is cause for great concern. The challenge before us involves reinvigorating students' interest in these subjects and providing them with the tools to excel."

Forum speakers included Norm Augustine, retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin and current chair of the Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century; and Marc Prensky, author of Don't Bother Me Mom - I'm Learning.

Attendees included some of the nation's most well-known educators, business executives and policymakers from around the country. Additionally, forum experts listened to a student panel comprised of middle school-age students, who shared their own insightful views of the classroom experience and ways to improve it.