Science Cheerleader

The (real) architects of President Obama’s new STEM initiative.

I’ve hinted at a special announcement the White House was expected to make today and here it is:

President Obama Launches “Educate to Innovate” Campaign for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (Stem) Education. This nationwide effort includes over $260 million in public-private investments to move American students to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade.

You can read the “official” White House press release on this but it’s only fair to tell you, it’s nothing but good-old safe facts. I, on the other hand, am about to fill you in on who’s REALLY behind this huge effort to improve science education. Ready? OK!

Kudos to President Obama and:

-his Office of Science and Technology Policy staff (my guess is, based on some conversations I’ve had with her, the unbelievably effective Beth Noveck had a big role in this)

-the MacArthur Foundation, (here’s hoping they support little people with big ideas, too, not just Obama-sized proposals)

-Dean Kamen (the real hero here even though he spilled red wine on my borrowed shoes)

-Jack Hidary (kindly took a break from his squash game a few weeks ago to talk me through these plans)

-The Discovery Channel (an independent production company of theirs called me Friday to talk about my family starring in a Science Family reality TVshow–not sure it’s going to fly since I don’t have one scientist in my family)

-and others I’m sure I’ve come in contact with along the way….OH! and Tim O’Reilly who seems to be taking over the world through his Gov 2.0 and Web 2.0 conferences and now it looks like his giant Maker Faire will take over the White House in May (as part of National Lab Day). THAT’s going to be cool.