Last Updated: 08/29/2011*

Raytheon and the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) announced the release of an innovative package of hands-on tools and the launch of a new state-level STEM modeling effort, which will see Raytheon and the BHEF partner to enable regionally-specific models.

Today’s news follows the July 2009 launch of the Raytheon-built BHEF U.S. STEM Education Model, the first-ever simulation and modeling tool for the U.S. STEM education system. In addition to the state-level STEM modeling program, Raytheon and BHEF unveiled a Web-based tool that allows policymakers and others to easily access the model and run their own simulations or view a set of pre-existing scenarios. Both initiatives are designed to help policymakers, educators and researchers understand the complex nature of the U.S. education system and identify potential solutions that could increase the number of students who are interested and prepared in STEM fields, and ultimately, increase the number of students who obtain college degrees in these fields.

“We all have a stake in helping our nation secure the pipeline of STEM talent for the future,” said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company and Chairman of the Business-Higher Education Forum. “Raytheon is proud to continue to support this mission by building on our extensive commitment to math and science education in the United States, which includes our participation in the new 'Change the Equation' initiative. We believe that the enhancements we are announcing today to the Raytheon-developed BHEF U.S. STEM Education Model will further sharpen the tools needed to help our nation achieve this important goal.”

Specifics regarding the components announced by Raytheon and the BHEF include:

Online STEM Model: An intuitive Web-based version of the model was developed to make the BHEF U.S. STEM Education Model more widely accessible to policymakers and educators. The new version titled STEM Research and Modeling Network was developed in collaboration with The Ohio State University (OSU) and contains sample policy scenarios, custom simulations, and details on the structure of the model.
State STEM Education Modeling Project: This new project will employ the modeling and simulation approach used to create the U.S. model and apply it to the unique characteristics of states. Raytheon is teaming with BHEF to create a state version of the model that will support policymakers and other stakeholders in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas in understanding how to develop strategies and direct investments that will strengthen STEM education and workforce policies in their states. BHEF is also working with the Battelle Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy at OSU to develop an Ohio STEM education and workforce model.
New STEM Report: Developed by BHEF, this in-depth report titled “Increasing the Number of STEM Graduates: Insights from the U.S. STEM Education & Modeling Project ” delivers fresh perspectives on the United States’ STEM challenges and offers solid recommendations to address these challenges. These findings resulted from the development of the BHEF U.S. STEM Education Model and aim to drive more strategic and systemic policy planning to increase STEM graduates in the United States.

BHEF Executive Director Brian K. Fitzgerald said of the partnership: “BHEF is pleased to continue its unique collaboration with Raytheon to advance the model’s utility in helping states explore policy scenarios specific to their local contexts. Together, we have created a tool that enables education policymakers and funders to leverage systems thinking and simulation in policymaking and provide systemic solutions to the STEM challenges facing our country.”

The announcement was made as part of Raytheon’s sponsorship of NBC's “Education Nation,” held in New York City Sept. 26-29. Raytheon’s work on the STEM Model tool and its sponsorship of “Education Nation” are all part of its STEM education program, which includes MathMovesU®, a program designed to inspire a critical age group — middle school students — to get excited about math and science.