Maintaining America’s scientific and technological leadership is essential to our economic growth, national security and a productive future for our children. We are facing a critical talent gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the international “language” of innovation. Other nations are demonstrating a stronger commitment to building their “brain power” than we are.

Ohio’s future prosperity depends on how well we educate our children and youth. Yet, it’s becoming increasingly clear that too many of our elementary school students lose interest in science and mathematics by the time they reach the middle grades, and too many of our high school graduates are unprepared for college and the workforce. To be sure, our challenge spans the entire P-16 education continuum.

Ohio’s competitive position – and its opportunities for thriving in this ever-flattening world – will be won or lost based on the quality of our human capital and their collective capacity for innovation leadership. Now, more than ever, we need skilled, knowledgeable and ethical citizens, ready to succeed in life.

Higher Education and the Ohio Economy
Collins in "Good to Great" asserts that leaders must have and express confidence in the ultimate success of the aims of their organizations, but they must also be absolutely honest about the obstacles and difficulties and “confront the brutal facts.”  Almost every indicator – from student preparation, participation, and educational attainment to college affordability and statewide economic impact – tells the same story:  Ohio lags the nation and, as a result, suffers economically.

 

Here then are the brutal facts: