Shin bill would identify reasons for lack of qualified graduates in high tech fields

OLYMPIA – Although our state has some of the most highly educated citizens, only 14 percent of Washington’s students graduate with degrees in high demand fields. Looking to lessen the dependence on imported high tech workers, Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, sponsor of Senate Bill 5731, said that his bill would increase the capacity of colleges and universities to graduate more students with degrees in math- and science-related fields.

“So often I hear local companies tell me that they have to import workers to meet their business demands,” Shin said. “What are we doing wrong? How can we motivate more students to pursue math and science degrees? Who is willing to partner with us? Those are some of the questions that I hope my bill will address.”

Employers are increasingly unable to find enough skilled graduates to fill demand in such fields as math, applied science, technology and engineering.

SB 5731 would create a committee to study increasing student capacity at Washington’s public institutions of higher learning in high demand fields. The committee would consist of legislative members and representatives from various education organizations, including the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. If passed, the newly formed committee would develop a plan to annually educate 10,000 students in high demand fields by 2020; investigate ways to attract students in high demand areas; and identify ways to create partnerships with the business community.

SB 5731 is scheduled for a public hearing at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Senate Hearing Room 3 of the John A. Cherberg Building in Olympia.

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