Rep. Hill Addresses Second Annual HBCU STEAM Day of Action
Washington,
March 7, 2019
WASHINGTON D.C. —Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02), Vice Co-Chair of the bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, addressed the second annual HBCU Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Day of Action on Capitol Hill. This annual event brings together education leaders, tech companies, and members of Congress for a day of advocacy for America’s 102 HBCUs and their 300,000 students. “Little Rock, Arkansas is proud to be home to three outstanding HBCUs: Shorter College, Philander Smith College, and Arkansas Baptist College,” said Congressman Hill. “All three of these schools are closely engaged in the local business community and play a major role in preparing students to be ready for the workforce of tomorrow. Increasing STEAM opportunities and resources for our HBCUs will empower students to fill the estimated 557,100 new computing jobs created between 2016 to 2026. Prioritizing STEAM skills will put our HBCUs in a better position to compete in the global market and create new jobs here in Arkansas that drive our local economies.” Background: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 557,100 new jobs. (Courtesy of the HBCU Caucus) During STEAM Day, the HBCU and industry coalition will meet with Republican and Democratic members of Congress in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Together, they will advocate for greater resources for HBCUs and discuss best practices for building a well-prepared and diverse workforce. The Senate and House Appropriations Committees, House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Financial Services Subcommittee on Diversity & Inclusion, Congressional Black Caucus, House Education and Labor Committee, House Committee on Science, Space & Technology, and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will host meetings for the coalition. More than 40 members of Congress will participate in HBCU STEAM Day. |
