SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah Gov. Gary Herbert is calling for lawmakers to pour $4.5 million into science, technology and math programs for Utah students.
Herbert says equipping students with digital classrooms and better science lessons are key tools in reaching the state’s goal of two thirds of Utah residents earning some kind of secondary degree by 2020.
That goal includes a broad range of certificates, from a mechanic’s licenses to advanced engineering degrees.
Herbert’s call for a renewed focus on technology and science in schools echoes cries from the software and medical industries, among others.
Those employers say they will soon need more workers with at least a basic understanding of computer science and a strong background in mathematics.
Leaders concede much of the work lies in convincing schoolchildren that science is cool.
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