Education is the foundation for our national success. The Forensic Innovation Center strives to support and build the future of science education and scientist development in the United States – an important predictor of innovation and global success. In recent years, science education in the United States has lagged behind that of other countries and points to the need for increased focus and diligence in this area:

[The] U.S. System of advanced education and research has kept us in the position of technology leader for the last century. However, our primary and secondary education programs are falling behind. Every three years, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) tests 15-year-olds in math, science, reading and problem-solving skills, and conducts the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA):

In 2006, the results show the average combined science literacy scale score for U.S. students to be lower than the OECD average. U.S. students placed 29 out of 57 countries in science literacy and 35 out of 57 in math literacy.¹

This declining measurement of science literacy is ongoing and was measured in the 2000 and 2003 PISA evaluations, as well. The future of forensic science depends on the interest and availability of well-educated scientists, so improving education opportunities and youth exposure to science will benefit students, the community and the industry as a whole.

The FIC plans to create and maintain a program to benefit students. Details to be announced. Check back for more information.