STEM education is critical to the nation, RDECOM leader tells chamber

By Dan Lafontaine, RDECOM Public AffairsMarch 20, 2015

STEM education is critical to the nation, RDECOM leader tells chamber
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STEM education is critical to the nation, RDECOM leader tells chamber
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HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. (Feb. 20, 2015) -- Encouraging young students to pursue careers in science and engineering is vital to national defense and the economy, a U.S. Army leader told about 100 people at the Harford County Chamber of Commerce luncheon Feb. 19.

Jyuji Hewitt, executive deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, said Aberdeen Proving Ground is a strong advocate of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM.

"We take STEM seriously because we know our workforce on Aberdeen Proving Ground needs a mechanism to gets students who are passionate, want to stay in the field, go to college and work for us someday," said Hewitt, who holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and master's degree in nuclear physics.

Hewitt cited Department of Defense statistics that indicate the ability of the United States to produce STEM graduates is insufficient to meet projected demands. Nearly 50 percent of the Army's acquisition engineering workforce is eligible to retire by 2023.

"Why is STEM so important? Think about the number of people who are driving the economic engine of our nation -- engineers, scientists and mathematicians -- in a more and more complex world where technology is becoming more and more how we do business," he said. "How do we replace our workforce if we don't have a system that is going to generate an interest in young people to become STEM workers? That's the challenge we're up against."

Piquing a child's interest in STEM early is key, Hewitt said. He encouraged the audience to explore the options available under the Army Education Outreach Program such as summer camps, internships and competitions.

"If you haven't gone to your local school for a STEM and Beyond Night, take an evening," Hewitt said. "Go out there and you'll be absolutely surprised at how kids are learning. The excitement of the kids is recharging.

"You are on the right path in making that difference. We are a model for the nation. This is truly a partnership between what we're doing, the school systems and businesses. Thank you for keeping STEM in the forefront."

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RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.

Related Links:

Army Technology Live

U.S. Army Materiel Command

Army.mil: Science and Technology News

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command

Army Education Outreach Program