Educational Technology

President Obama unveiled more than $240 million in new STEM commitments this week at the fifth annual White House Science Fair. The new private sector commitments are designed “to inspire and prepare more girls and boys — especially those from underrepresented groups — to excel in the STEM fields,” according to a White House news release. “With the commitments being made today, the President’s “Educate to Innovate” campaign has resulted in over $1 billion in financial and in-kind support for STEM programs.” A new philanthropic effort, led by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Simons Foundation, will launch a Faculty Scholars Program with approximately $150 million over five years.