July 6, 1999
Engineering at a Loss
America is in danger of losing its competitive edge, says Stephen Szygenda, Ph.D., dean, UAB School of Engineering. The number of engineers graduating slipped to 61,000 in 1995 from 78,000 10 years earlier. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of computing, telecommunications, and information systems jobs go unfilled. "If we do not meet this challenge, we are in danger of stifling the technological engine that drives our economy." Tomorrow's engineers -- who will command high salaries -- are in middle and high school today. Many wrongly believe engineering is "too hard." Others can't get the science and math foundation they need. Programs like UAB's Red Shirt Engineers can help those with potential gain those skills, but the real answer lies in K-12 education. Call Szygenda at (205)934-8400.
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