Facebook backs more funds for science and math education

“The
situation is not much better at the higher educational levels,” it continues, adding that the disparities are “striking” because of the country’s shortage of technology-savvy employees.

“Surely, we can make America more competitive by training more American
students to fill these demanding and high-value jobs.”

There has also been speculation the Obama administration will announce the launch of a new organization this month called Change the Equation that will challenge leading technology companies to find new ways to stimulate science, math and engineering in schools. President Obama announced the Educate to Innovate initiative last year, which aims to generate momentum for education reform in those fields.

“Facebook is a young, fast-growing company whose mission is to make the world more open and connected. We understand that the United States must regain its economic and technological lead investing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education — from the elementary to post-graduate level — and that this is vital to energizing the 21st century workforce,” the letter states.