IBM Working Toward Lifelong Learning

IBM WORKING TOWARD LIFELONG LEARNING -- (House of Representatives - June 03, 2004)

(Mr. CARTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, lifelong learning is very important to the competitiveness of this country. I would like to highlight what IBM, a company with a very strong presence in my district, is doing for lifelong learning.

When I visited IBM's Austin site recently, I learned about several programs that IBM has which promote science and math for children. The company's Young Explorer is an interactive apparatus that young children have to access many of the schools in districts around the country. It targets kids up to age 8. By making science and math fun, IBM hopes that these children will decide to go into areas of science and math.

IBM also runs the Excite Science Camp For Girls at 38 U.S. sites during the summer months. Such camps give seventh and eighth grade girls the opportunity to meet with IBM female engineers, design and build their own Web sites, and hopefully come to realize that engineering is a viable career option for them.

IBM has collaborative relationships with many colleges and universities. The company and students share resources and work together on research and development endeavors. The company also goes into the community and offers computer training.

IBM has the right idea. We need to create initiatives for U.S. employees to build new skills in today's global economy. If we do not, U.S. workers will get left behind.

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