Ruppersberger and Lyons to Announce Money for National Security STEM Initiative in Anne Arundel County   

(Annapolis, MD) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Maryland Secretary of Higher Education James E Lyons, Sr. will announce $381,000 for a new National Security STEM initiative in Anne Arundel County.  Through a public-private partnership, the federal funds will help boost Maryland’s global competitiveness by focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for middle school students, especially near Fort Meade, the home of the National Security Agency.  The partnership will also be critical to prepare young people for the tens of thousands of new jobs being moved to Maryland through military base closures known as BRAC.        
 
“In our world that is becoming more and more competitive every day, it is critically important that American children stay a step ahead in these important areas of study.  Whether these students become scientists, engineers, mathematicians, or technology experts and work at the National Security Agency or at another employer in the government or the private sector, this training will serve them well in whatever career they choose to pursue,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).   

“Governor Martin O’Malley has directed Maryland to be a frontrunner through his P-20 Leadership Council when it comes to STEM programs,” said Secretary James E. Lyons, Sr.  “As the world becomes more globally competitive in this growing economy, Maryland needs to keep up in these four major fields.  We need to position ourselves as a worldwide leader when it comes to producing the best scientists, technological experts, engineers, and mathematicians at Maryland’s outstanding colleges and universities as well as our elementary, middle, and high schools.  Additionally, this school will help more of our students eventually compete for substantial BRAC jobs coming to Maryland.”  

     WHO:         Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
                         Maryland Secretary of Higher Education James E Lyons, Sr.  
                         Teachers
                         Students

     WHAT:       Ruppersberger and Lyons to Announce Funding for National Security STEM Initiative  

     WHEN:       11 a.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2009 

     WHERE:    The Maryland Higher Education Commission
                         839 Bestgate Road
                         Suite 400 
                         Annapolis, MD 21401   

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