Proposed legislation would provide funding to increase access to data science and literacy education
BALTIMORE, MD, February 15, 2023 – The INFORMS community applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Data Science and Literacy Act, which, if enacted, would increase access to statistics and data science education. This curriculum is essential to meet workforce and societal standards to build future researchers.
Sponsored by Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI), Jim Baird (R-IN), Don Beyer (D-VA) and Young Kim (R-CA), the Data Science and Literacy Act of 2023 supports a voluntary program at the Department of Education through which educational entities (pre-K-12 and two- and four-year colleges) could apply for funding to increase access to data science and literacy education. The bill would authorize $10 million annually for this program. Eligible entities such as states, local educational agencies, tribal schools and institutions of higher education could use grant funding to:
- ensure access to data science, data literacy and statistics education for all students served by the eligible entity;
- promote data science, data literacy and statistics through professional development for teachers and developing learning material;
- expand access to STEM classes, using data science and literacy as a catalyst for increased interest in STEM more broadly; and
- address equity gaps in access to STEM courses.
“Ensuring that data literacy is a foundational aspect of education is a cornerstone of the United States’ long-term economic and national security. Data is everywhere and the ideas and demands to create more of it, and the evermore complex ways to deploy it, are growing more significant by the day,” says Jeff Cohen, INFORMS’ chief strategy and innovation officer. “This bill is a key part of addressing the substantial shortfall of STEM-prepared students for the workforce of tomorrow. Operations research, analytics, and the science and technology of decision-making is predicated on the sound and ethical use of data. INFORMS strongly supports the bipartisan Data Science and Literacy Act of 2023 and looks forward to working to ensure its passage and effective implementation.”
What Members of Congress are Saying
Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11):
“To compete in a 21st century economy, we need a 21st century STEM workforce that reflects the diversity that makes the United States the greatest nation on earth. Ever since Michigan’s 11th District sent me to Congress, I have been laser-focused on increasing access to STEM education for more young women and low-income communities. The Data Science and Literacy Act is a critical part of that mission. Data touches everything we do. Data education is integral to bolstering our global competitiveness, unlocking good-paying jobs, and fostering a well-informed society. I am proud to introduce this legislation that helps ensure, no matter their background or ZIP code, that all students are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to prepare them for a career in the STEM fields.”
Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8):
“We live in a world full of data – from the logistics information collected to streamline supply chain operations, to the tracking done by the public health industry to halt the spread of diseases, to the data collected by our smartphones about our everyday lives. As the use of data to optimize operations across industries increases, so does the demand for data literacy in America’s workforce. Our bill would provide educators with the resources necessary to expand access to a quality data science education and prepare students for 21st century jobs.”
Rep. Young Kim (CA-40):
“STEM education expands opportunities for students, grows our economy, strengthens our workforce across industries and boosts our nation’s global competitiveness. The Data Science and Literacy Act will equip educational institutions with the tools they need to teach students of all ages and across all regions of the country the skills needed to get good-paying jobs and help our nation win the future. I will always support opportunities for students to access a quality education and achieve their dream[s].”
Rep. Jim Baird (IN-4):
“As world leaders in technological advancement, it’s essential that we create programs that increase access to data science and literacy education so students from an early age can earn a well-rounded STEM education. Improved access to these tools is essential for building tomorrow’s workforce, and I look forward to working with Congresswoman Stevens to get this bipartisan investment in STEM education across the finish line.”
This bill has received support from the American Statistical Association, among others.
About INFORMS
INFORMS advances and promotes the science and technology of decision-making to save lives, save money and solve problems. As the largest association for the decision and data sciences, INFORMS members support organizations and governments at all levels as they work to transform data into information, and information into insights that lead to more efficient, effective, equitable and impactful results. INFORMS’ 10,000+ members are composed of a diverse and robust international community of practitioners, researchers, educators and students from a variety of fields.
Contact:
Ashley Smith
443-757-3578
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Media Contact
Ashley Smith
Public Affairs Coordinator
INFORMS
Catonsville, MD
[email protected]
443-757-3578