Celebrating STEM Education

"We are entering an exciting new era of innovation and equipping our young people with STEM skills is critical," Governor Lingle told the students.

The Governor also explained that the skills needed to compete in the competition are the same they will need to face challenges and solve problems in the years ahead.

"Athletics are valuable, but only an elite few will become professional athletes," she said, adding it is unlikely a professional athlete will cure cancer or solve a global problem.

"It's a different story for people with math skills," said Governor Lingle. "You will drive technology and innovation in the 21st century and help our state develop renewable energy technology."

The competition promotes the teaching and learning of mathematics and gives math students the opportunity to compete with one another in solving challenging problems.  Engaging students in science, technology, engineering and math education is a key component of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s Hawai`i Innovation Initiative because it fosters the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills that will better prepare students to enter the workforce.

• In other STEM-related activities this weekend, the fifth annual Hawai`i Botball Regional Competition - the second-largest regional tournament in the United States - will take place at the Hawai`i Convention Center. Read more about this exciting competition.