High-Tech Degrees Being Granted Less Than Ever

  • 06/01/99

The American Electronics Association (AEA) recently released a rather sobering report titled CyberEducation. The report looks at the state of technology education in K-12 and higher education. Although we've reported on these trends in the past (T.H.E. Journal, 9-98, p. 32) it's worthwhile pointing them out again. The report uses a uniform definition permitting real comparability of technology education data among all 50 states and the District of Columbia by providing one-page state overviews detailing K-12 performance, high-tech degrees awarded since 1990 and the top degree awarding states.

Some of the findings include:

  • high-tech degrees declined 5 percent between 1990 and 1996
  • of the decreasing number of degrees awarded, a significant portion went to foreign nationals
  • California had the greatest decline, awarding 1,600 fewer degrees in 1996 than in 1990

For the complete report, call the AEA at (800) 284-4232. AEA members can purchase the report for $95; non-members for $190. American Electronics Association, Washington, DC, www.aeanet.org.

Featured

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Introduces Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has launched a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • robot waving

    Copilot Updates Aim to Personalize AI

    Microsoft has introduced a range of updates to its Copilot platform, marking a new phase in its effort to deliver what it calls a "true AI companion" that adapts to individual users' needs, preferences and routines.