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Technology has become more commonplace in everyday aspects of most people’s lives than ever before. Whether you are working for a company that has implemented it to streamline productivity, or you use it to organize your personal life, technology is now a part of the mainstream. Government officials are concerned that ?educational programs are not as well developed as they should be. With jobs in information technology increasing with great frequency, institutions are taking a hard look at the programs they have in place.

The demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to increase by 16 percent over the next seven years, which is faster than the average growth in all industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, American students have scored poorly in the science and math categories of standardized tests in comparison to their Asian and European counterparts, the New York Times reports.

These highly demanding jobs are forcing educational institutions to take a hard look at their degree programs, and ensure that they meet the standards of education students will need to obtain a job in the field upon graduating. Students in the United States have been averaging lower scores on science and math tests than in other countries around the world. This is making it difficult to find qualified individuals for employment in the areas of technology and engineering.

These findings have led the government to opt for the development of educational programs. These programs will focus on educating students more wholly in the areas of science and technology, so that they are able to land the job of their dreams in these ever-growing fields. Sally Ride, who was contacted by the Obama Administration to lend her support to this cause, told the newspaper “there is a lot of corporate interest and foundation interest in this issue.” Such a declaration is not surprising, as many technology-based companies will come to rely on employees who have been educated on the latest trends and discoveries in the scientific world.

Some executives, including Bill Gates, have already launched initiatives to improve technology education at the collegiate level. Through his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Microsoft entrepreneur has announced he will donate $12.9 million to improve education at several technology-focused community colleges across the country, Campus Technology reports.

The future of information technology and engineering is in the hands of these organizations. By contributing to the future of these programs and their development, new employees will receive a specialized education. Focusing on the ever evolving world of information technology, educational institutions are are creating the best degree programs possible to educate students on the most cutting edge and up-to-date techniques available.

Hilary Pennington, the foundation’s director of education, postsecondary success and special initiatives, told the media outlet the grants aim to promote technology and its ability to “connect people, foster collaboration, empower learners and teachers, and challenge the status quo.”

As efforts to improve technology education expand, students and working adults may consider enrolling in an schools online and grants for college that can help them launch careers in fast-growing industries. Beginning a career in a competitive job market can be made much easier when a student has had an education through online schools, transitioning them to the job market with ease.