WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 24, 2008 — A summit of top leaders in education, business, government, mathematics and science will gather on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 in Washington, D.C. to address the alarming decline in American competitiveness and preeminence in science and technology.

“Rising Above the Gathering Storm – Two Years Later: Accelerating Progress toward a Brighter Economic Future” is being convened by the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) along with the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine. The convocation is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. April 29 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Two years ago, the blue-ribbon committee report by the National Academies, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” warned that the U.S. is falling behind in math and science education, endangering America’s competitiveness and national security. The national convocation on April 29 will address what has happened since then.

Media are invited to attend the entire summit. However a special press conference has been scheduled.

Who:

• Charles Vest, president, National Academy of Engineering and president emeritus, MIT
• Norman Augustine, CEO emeritus, Lockheed Martin and chair, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm”
• Sally K. Ride, former astronaut and professor of physics, U.C.- San Diego
• Tom Luce, CEO National Math and Science Initiative, former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education

What:

Press Conference/Photo Opportunity

When:

Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. EST

Where:

J.W. Marriott, Russell Room
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20004

For more information, please go to www7.nationalacademies.org/gatheringstorm/

Media Contacts/Media Registration:

Mindy Noonan, Public Strategies, (202) 354-8211; Sharon Lakes, Public Strategies, (214) 649-8215; Rena Pederson, NMSI (214) 665-2523