During Iowa’s Presidential Town Hall on December 7th, presidential candidates Carly Fiorina and Martin O’Malley focused on technology-based issues and concerns in the United States. The purpose of this meeting was to address the importance of the government’s support regarding technology education for students and the workforce in order for U.S. citizens to be creators of technology and not just consumers of technology.
O’Malley stated that as president, he would implement more career and technology education programs in schools which would better prepare students for the expected increase in job opportunities in the future. He also reminded the audience of his efforts as governor of Maryland and mayor of Baltimore stating, “We increased education funding and made a big push to underscore the importance of STEM education in our high schools.” With an increase in STEM education, it is his hopes that the U.S. becomes the center of an emerging circle of innovation.
Carly Fiorina primarily focused on how it is important for the government to increase its technological achievements in order to get more control on cyber terrorism. “Many government agencies are not prepared for the numerous attacks being made by terrorists through our cyber systems,” she said. Fiorina called for a better partnership between government and private agencies in order to develop effective communication on critical security measures. This partnership would greatly increase the job opportunities of those with a STEM related degree as well as those interested in a career in law enforcement or political science.
The Iowa Presidential Town Hall gave the citizens a better understanding of where some politicians stand regarding STEM education in America. With the increase of STEM-related jobs on the rise, it is important that the future leaders of America share their support and plans to implement more STEM related content throughout our schools and workforce training programs. Both candidates agreed that the future innovations on the U.S. should be primarily led by citizens as well as current and future entrepreneurs.