FINDINGS AND OBJECTIVES.

SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND OBJECTIVES. (a) Findings.— The Congress finds that— (1) science and mathematics are cornerstones of America’s efforts to compete in the global marketplace and improve our standard of living and quality of life; (2) international comparisons show American students are consistently behind their foreign counterparts in mathematics and science achievement; (3) projections by the National Science Foundation estimate a shortage of 675,000 scientists and engineers by the year 2000; 104 STAT. 2883 (4) women and minorities are significantly underrepresented in the fields of mathematics, science and engineering; (5) the achievement of universal scientific and mathematical literacy by all Americans is an essential goal of all efforts to strengthen American competitiveness; (6) the achievement of scientific and mathematical literacy requires a strong, coordinated effort to strengthen the teaching of science and mathematics; and (7) the Federal Government has a significant role in promoting the study of mathematics and science, by providing financial assistance to improve the general quality of programs for the study of mathematics and science, by acting as a source for information concerning successful projects and activities, by encouraging talented men and women to pursue scientific careers and by strengthening the mathematics and science educational opportunities available to women and minorities. (b) National Objectives.— The Congress declares that it shall be a national objective to— (1) encourage American students to pursue careers in mathematics, science and engineering; (2) improve the quality of teaching in mathematics and science made available to all Americans; (3) have American students rank first in the world in mathematics and science; (4) substantially increase the number of graduates with degrees in mathematics, science and engineering; and (5) substantially increase the number of women and minorities pursuing careers in mathematics, science and engineering.