The crisis in math and science education is moving to the national agenda as all states grapple with the shortage of qualified workers in STEM fields, especially those in the minority.

The dropout rate for Hispanics is much higher than other ethnic groups. In 2004, 24 percent of Latino 16-to-24 year-olds were dropouts (1.5 million), more than double the dropout rate for blacks (12 percent) and more than three times the rate for whites (7 percent). For those 12th graders seeking a bachelor’s degree or higher only 51 percent of Latinos will attain the degree, 63 percent of Blacks, 65 percent of Whites, and 76 percent of Asian/Pacific Islanders.

For those that get involved in math and science the possibilities are endless. An example of that is Astronaut Leland Melvin’s experience with team work in the NFL and how it compares to teamwork at NASA.

Leland Melvin, who was drafted after college by the NFL to play as a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and recently served on the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis on a mission to the international space station, one of the few African-Americans to ever travel into space.

Astronaut Leland Melvin

"I relate a lot of it to my football training. We had a highly functioning team and learned all the things you need to do to have a successful launch. I try to tell kids if you play sports, you can be an Astronaut, because it is very similar, the training is similar. It’s just that you have to learn something different. I tell them, ‘Hey, go for your dreams -- but you have to have a plan.’ My plan was education. I was in Algebra class like you are, in the eighth grade, I did the same things you do. There’s nothing magic about becoming an Astronaut, it’s about dedication and working hard. It’s work ethic. If they have that work ethnic and apply themselves, they can be an Astronaut also."