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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jane L. Anderson
(703)
946-5258
SILICON VALLEY OFFICIAL SPEAKS ON
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CRISIS
Emphasizes Transforming Science, Math,
Engineering Education to Create Jobs, Innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 9,
2005) – The Fulbright
Association announced today that Christopher Nordlinger, senior
manager of technology education programs at Cisco Systems and a
former Fulbright fellow in Senegal in 1982, will give the
Association’s 28th annual conference keynote address on Friday, Nov.
11, at 7 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, in Baltimore, Md.
Dr. Nordlinger has suggested a major
initiative led by the business community to improve technology
education. The recommendation grows out of his experience with
Cisco’s Advanced Technology partners worldwide and with the Cisco
Networking Academy
program, a public-private partnership
of Cisco, governments, educational institutions, nongovernmental
organizations, and industry that teaches students how to design,
build, and maintain computer networks.
“The business community needs to lead
a multiyear, multi-billion-dollar technology education initiative to
double the number of graduates in math, science, engineering, and
technology within 15 years,” Dr. Nordlinger said. “If federal and
state governments provided more substantial funding, this could
become a program like the Apollo space initiative with significant
economic benefits and the stimulus to reform our system of public
education.”
“American students
currently lead the world in science and math scores in fourth grade,
but drop to 19th place by the time they are in 12th grade,” Dr.
Nordlinger notes. “American college students are avoiding what I
call the tech disciplines—science, engineering, and math—in droves.”
Dr. Nordlinger proposes
solutions that are specific to the United States, but may also be
adapted for other countries, particularly for developing countries
such as Kenya, El Salvador, and Jamaica.
Dr. Nordlinger received
his doctorate in development economics from the Fletcher School of
Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University. He served as development
director for Population Services International in Washington, D.C.,
which operates child survival, family planning, and AIDS prevention
programs in over 70 developing countries. Before joining Cisco, Dr.
Nordlinger created technology training and marketing programs as
director of market development for Eagle River Interactive in
Mountain View, Calif.
The federal Fulbright
Program furthers exchange of ideas and cooperative international
relations. Fulbright educational and cultural exchanges take place
between the United States and approximately 150 other countries.
Graduate students, scholars, professionals, and teachers and
administrators receive grants to study, research, lecture, and teach
in each others’ countries. Since its inception, the Fulbright
Program has awarded more than 250,000 grants. It was established in
1946 by legislation introduced by the late Sen. J. William Fulbright
of Arkansas.
The Fulbright Association
is the private, nonprofit organization of Fulbright alumni and
supporters committed to fostering international awareness and
understanding through advocating increased worldwide support for
Fulbright exchanges, enriching the Fulbright experience, and
facilitating lifelong interaction among alumni and current
participants.
Representatives of the
media are invited to attend the keynote speech. Please make
arrangements with Jane Anderson at the number above.
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