Alcoa Joins Change the Equation to Solve America′s Innovation Problem
President Obama Launches Change the Equation at White House Event
Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it has joined Change the Equation
(CTEq), a CEO-led initiative to cultivate literacy in science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) and achieve President Obama′s
"Educate to Innovate′ mission.
As global leader in innovation, engineering and manufacturing, Alcoa
recognizes that as our world evolves, so too do the skills required
to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Since 2005, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $27M to advance
workforce readiness and expand STEM programs across Alcoa communities.
In signing onto CTEq, Alcoa joins forces with Time Warner Cable, Sally
Ride Science, Kodak, Intel and Xerox, to prepare students for
STEM-related careers as an investment in the economy of tomorrow. CTEq
it 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.
Alcoa Foundation President Paula Davis said, 'Through a diverse
portfolio of STEM partnerships and the work of our thousands of employee
volunteers, Alcoa is empowering educators, inspiring
students and strengthening institutions ? all critical investments that
we need to make for our future.
'From Michigan to Tennessee, Ohio to California, New York to South
Carolina, we have signed on to Change the Equation to cultivate
the next generation of science and innovation leaders, prepared to
improve the way we live, work and play throughout the world.?
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 next generation of employees in America will be
unprepared to take advantage of these positions.
'"I can′t do math′ has become an iconic excuse in our society,? said
Linda Rosen, Chief Executive Officer of CTEq. 'Many Americans have
expressed it, but I don′t believe it′s an accurate reflection of who we
are, or, more importantly, what we can do.?
Rosen continued, 'If we don′t encourage our children and students to get
excited about math as well as science, technology and engineering, we
are denying them the chance to reach their potential, and be prepared
for a future filled with opportunity.?
'CTEq can and will fire the nation′s conscience on STEM education. We
will monitor our own progress and the progress of others, identifying
what is working and what isn′t. CTEq will apply the lessons we learn so
that the nation continues to move towards a future where every American
is literate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.'
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world′s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated
aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum
industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the
aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the
past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled
products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa ® wheels,
fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building
systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as
titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral
part of Alcoa′s operating practices and the product design and
engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow
Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years and approximately
75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in
active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31
countries across the world. Visit www.alcoa.com.
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.
Alcoa Foundation
Libby Archell, 212-836-2719
Libby.archell@alcoa.com
