Developing Scientists for California’s Future
I was pleased to see your editorial (Nov. 6), “An Investment in Science,” noting the National Academy of Sciences plans to build a West Coast headquarters in California.
On the same day you published the editorial, I co-chaired a statewide conference on industrial competitiveness at which many leading business executives and educators endorsed a program to extend to our secondary schools the science and technology leadership that we enjoy in our universities.
We need in our public schools an exemplary program to groom future innovators and Nobel prize winners. I have introduced the Science and Technology Education Act, SB 1216, to give our young people the opportunity to excel early in their education with a vital mix of high-quality teachers, facilities, and curricula.
This legislation would establish two science and technology high schools, one each in the southern and northern regions of our state. These schools would be modeled after the Bronx High School of Science in New York, which is famous for producing noted scientists and engineers. SB 1216 is scheduled to reach the governor’s desk in January.
I hope we can count on the governor to join us in recognizing the importance of investing in science education now by signing this bill.
JOHN GARAMENDI
State Senator, Fifth District
Walnut Grove
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