Despite a recent economic downturn, there is considerable political and industry pressure to retain or even increase the number of scientists in the UK and other developed countries. Claims are made that the supply of scientists (including engineers and mathematicians) is crucial to the economy and the health of the nation, and a large number of…

Describes secondary and postsecondary programs in electronics targeted to meet the need for 200,000 electric/electronic engineers and technicians that the U.S. Department of Labor projects for 2005. (JOW)

Suggests that certification can help ensure a solid future for information technology (IT). Describes IT certification as the attainment of expertise in a particular field of information technology such as computer hardware and software. Looks at certification offered by Novel, Microsoft, and Cisco. (JOW)

Professional geographers are fairly well-paid and will be in greater demand in fields such as environmental management, location analysis, urban and regional planning, computer mapping, and geographic information systems. This article outlines career possibilities for college graduates in six broad geography curriculum areas. Includes three…

Australian girls (n=21) received 6 weeks of mentoring from 19 retail and information/communications technologies professionals, a structured workbook, and a career guidance workshop. Pre/postprogram data from girls, mentors, and school staff showed the program was effective in providing realistic, relevant information about growth industry…

The author outlines course content, performance objectives, and student activities for a high school program for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning mechanics. (SK)

Some of the fastest growing occupations are in technical and paraprofessional fields. Community colleges train many of the workers who enter these occupations. (JOW)

"Under Pressure!" reports on the effect of aging population and new technologies on the demand for health care professionals and describes growing health care careers. "Meeting a Challenge Head on" and "Exploring the Medical Frontier" explain how schools in Delaware and Pennsylvania are attracting and retaining…

Discussed is the mission of the National Science Foundation regarding science education in the United States. Recent history of supported programs is described. Efforts to reorganize the foundation are reported. (CW)

Investigated was the effectiveness of interventions designed to mediate the negative influence of ascription on the scientific talent pool. Findings related to the effectiveness of tutoring, career counseling, exposure to research and to role models, and after school programs reinforce the importance of prerequisites for increasing minority…

Studies how the local economic structure, as measured by local job opportunities, affects students' educational achievements, synthesizing studies from Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Appalachian Virginia. A model is proposed to explain how the value placed on education is affected by local opportunity. (SLD)

Researchers predict the number of people in the United States workforce could exceed 180 million by 2028, but, if employment demands continue to expand at current levels, the number of jobs could approach 200 million. Skills needed to perform those jobs will continue to grow, requiring higher levels of training to perform all jobs, including those…