Ernst & Young LLP Joins Change the Equation, a Corporate Initiative to Stimulate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education in the US

NEW YORK, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP is pleased to announce its membership in Change the Equation, a CEO-led initiative to cultivate widespread literacy in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), which was launched today at the White House. Change the Equation (CTEq) will aim to achieve the President's Educate to Innovate campaign mission to increase private and philanthropic involvement in STEM education and will meet a critical need for a workforce and a citizenry fluent in science and math.

CTEq evolved as a result of the first Educate to Innovate Event in November 2009, when President Obama named five leaders to champion an effort to improve American student participation and performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  

As a member of CTEq, Ernst & Young will join leading companies across multiple sectors in the effort to prepare students for STEM-related careers to fill the opportunity gap with capable and enthusiastic STEM-literate young people. CTEq is the first and only STEM education group that brings so many corporate leaders together in collaboration with the White House, State Houses nationwide, and the foundation community.  

"As an organization of professionals that base our business on sharp analytical and, in many cases, mathematical skills, we have a long-standing and steadfast commitment to furthering STEM education in the US. We are thrilled to join Change the Equation to further this mission and collaborate with groups throughout the public and private sectors to advance the STEM literacy," explains Deborah Holmes, Global Director of Corporate Responsibility, Ernst & Young.

According to a report by the Center on Education and the Workforce, there will be eight million jobs available in STEM-related fields by 2018. However, the report also finds that the next generation of employees in America will be unprepared to take advantage of these positions.

America's problem with math-which is the entry point into science, technology and engineering-is not solely rooted in academic skill. According to a recent survey commissioned by CTEq, nearly three in 10 adults believe they are not good at math. The problem is especially acute in younger Americans. More than half of Americans aged 18 to 36 admit that they often find themselves saying they can't do math.  

Ernst & Young will collaborate with CTEq to help solve this math problem by building upon its flagship education initiatives. These initiatives include: the Ernst & Young/Cyberchase Volunteer Program – an employee volunteer program conducted with PBS in 20 cities, based on the Emmy award-winning PBSKIDSGO(SM) children's series, Cyberchase. The goal of the program is to improve math literacy among children ages eight to 11 – particularly minorities and girls. To date, more than 650 Ernst & Young volunteers have reached more than 1,700 elementary school students. Another flagship initiative is the College MAP (Mentoring for Access and Persistence) program, which allows teams of employee mentors to help disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors apply to and prepare to succeed in college.

CTEq's goals are to:

1. Improve STEM teaching at all grade levels, with a larger and more racially, ethnically and gender-diverse pool of highly-capable STEM teachers.
2. Deepen student appreciation and excitement for STEM programs and careers to increase enrollment and success, especially among females and students of color.
3. Achieve a sustained commitment to the STEM movement from business leaders, government officials, STEM teachers and other stakeholders through communication, collaboration and data-based decision making.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 144,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

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Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity.  Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Ernst & Young LLP is a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited serving clients in the U.S.

About Change the Equation

Change the Equation (CTEq) is a non-profit organization whose 100 member companies from across industry sectors are dedicated to promoting innovation and investment in STEM teaching and learning. CTEq aims to give STEM education a central place in the national lexicon of excellence and achievement, establishing a national movement to support, promote and implement excellent STEM education for every child.

SOURCE Ernst & Young LLP