The Pipeline to Smart

A high school student works on an electronics project at the Science House during a summer Photonics Leaders camp.

In the midst of a global economic crisis, it's easy to forget that the United States faces an education crisis, with less than one-third of American eighth graders proficient in math. The U.S. Department of Education calls the situation "sobering" and casts doubt on the ability of the nation's educational institutions to produce future scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technologists.

NC State is changing that equation in North Carolina through wide-ranging efforts to make education accessible, relevant and empowering. In the process, we're drawing a record number of new students to our campus.

The National Institutes of Health is funding an effort at NC State to encourage students from underrepresented groups to complete advanced degree programs in the biomedical and behavioral sciences.

The National Science Foundation turned to NC State to lead a nationwide effort to recruit and mentor young researchers to study disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks.

Researchers at NC State are harnessing the growing potential of video game software to promote the understanding of science and information technology among North Carolina high school students while helping them fulfill a newly implemented graduation requirement.

NC State developed a new method of classroom teaching that results in improvements in student comprehension, problem solving, attitudes and attendance. Failure rates in these classes have plummeted, typically by 50 percent.

At the William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, we're leading a pilot project to provide high-speed network connectivity to all K-12 schools in North Carolina, ensuring that no child is left on the wrong side of the digital divide.

Education – like industry – cannot rely on outdated methods to succeed in today's global marketplace. At NC State, we believe the future of education lies in testing and adopting new ideas, enhancing access to new technologies and promoting a culture of achievement.