WHEREAS, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) drive North Carolina's
twenty-first century economy and are critical to preparing our graduating high school students for college, technical training, and entering our state's able workforce; and
WHEREAS, STEM education provides skills essential to workforce development, ensuring North Carolinians are ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow; STEM education is necessary to succeed and expand career opportunities in our competitive, knowledge-based economy; and
WHEREAS, a diverse and inclusive workforce is critical to North Carolina’s ability to adapt and compete in a global economy; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is committed to removing systemic inequities that obstruct educational and workforce pathways for underrepresented women, people of color, and people from rural communities; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina colleges, universities, and business are producing cutting-edge scientific and technological advances; STEM education strengthens these operations and ensures our workforce can adapt to the demands of fast-paced innovation; and
WHEREAS, leading companies have established a presence in North Carolina because of our commitment to preparing STEM-ready workers; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud to join the North Carolina Science Festival’s annual celebration in promoting STEM during the month of April, and urges people to recognize the positive impacts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on the advancement of our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April, 2021, as “STEM EDUCATION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.