Expressing support for the designation of a 4-H National Youth Science Day.

Whereas barely 18 percent of 12th grade students perform at or above the proficient level in science;

Whereas the need for science education, especially outside the classroom, is crucial to our country’s ability to remain globally competitive;

Whereas today only 32.4 percent of undergraduates in the United States are leaving college with a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, compared to 63.3 percent in Japan, 62.1 percent in Germany, and 56.2 percent in China;

Whereas American businesses will face a competitive crisis with the advancing science- and technology-driven global economy unless they have a workforce that has been trained in scientific fields;

Whereas the future global economy will be driven by market sectors that are based in science, engineering, and technology;

Whereas current scientists and engineers are retiring in record numbers, creating a potentially large void of skilled workers;

Whereas 4–H and other out-of-school programs that focus on science, engineering and technology are an important part of educating and developing leaders who are well-trained and technically competent;

Whereas 4–H is preparing America’s future workforce by developing their passion for science, engineering, and technology at an early age;

Whereas 4–H’s educational programs have an unparalleled reach of more than 6,000,000 youth in all 50 States;

Whereas 4–H, in partnership with more than 106 land-grant universities, shape programs in the sciences that are important to today’s workforce and critical for managing the world’s resources for years to come;

Whereas youth, parents, teachers, schools, and youth organizations have the ability to participate in fun, accessible, science-related activities that encourage youth exploration and experimentation at an early age; and

Whereas October 8, 2008 would be an appropriate day to designate as 4–H National Youth Science Day: Now, therefore, be it