Bipartisan Legislation Champions Operations Research, Modernizes K-12 STEM Instruction
BALTIMORE, MD, March 25, 2025 – In a strong show of bipartisan unity, the U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act (H.R. 730), marking an important leap forward in how STEM is taught in America’s classrooms. This forward-looking legislation reimagines math education by embedding real-world problem-solving, data science and computational thinking into the K-12 learning experience.
Sponsored by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.), the bill addresses the growing demand for a highly skilled STEM workforce by modernizing the way students engage with mathematical and statistical modeling – tools critical for navigating challenges in healthcare, national security, finance, logistics and more.
“This isn’t just a STEM bill – it’s a strategic roadmap for preparing the next generation of data-literate problem solvers,” says Jeff Cohen, chief strategy officer for INFORMS. “By explicitly including operations research and modeling, this legislation empowers students with the tools they’ll need to understand and shape the world around them.”
“In a time when scientific credibility is under pressure, this bipartisan bill is an important and refreshing reminder that science still matters,” Cohen added. “Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Houlahan and Baird, this legislation reinforces that operations research, analytics and data science are foundational to addressing the United States’ long-term needs in a vibrant STEM workforce.”
Key Highlights of the Legislation:
- Modernizes K-12 STEM Education: Integrates mathematical and statistical modeling, data science and operations research into everyday classroom learning.
- Leverages Existing NSF Funds: Directs the National Science Foundation to provide competitive grants that support innovative, real-world teaching practices.
- Centers Real-World Skills: Promotes problem-, project- and performance-based learning to prepare students for modern STEM careers.
- Recognizes Operations Research: Officially defines and elevates operations research as essential to decision-making across sectors.
- Launches National Study: Commissions the National Academies to assess best practices and challenges in implementing modeling education nationwide.
- Focuses on Equity and Access: Supports programs that engage underrepresented students and prepare educators with inclusive, high-impact tools.
- Sunsets in 2029: Ensures accountability and review with a built-in expiration date for funding authority.
INFORMS strongly supports this legislation as a critical step in closing the gap between math instruction and the analytical skills demanded by the 21st-century economy. As the bill heads to the Senate, INFORMS calls for continued bipartisan support to ensure students across the country gain access to the tools, mindsets and opportunities needed to lead in a data-rich future.
About INFORMS
INFORMS is the world’s largest association for professionals and students in operations research, AI, analytics, data science and related disciplines, serving as a global authority in advancing cutting-edge practices and fostering an interdisciplinary community of innovation. With a network of more than 12,000 members spanning academia, industry and government, INFORMS connects thought leaders, experts and emerging professionals who advance and apply AI, mathematics, analytics, and other sciences and technologies to solve complex challenges and drive impactful decision-making. Through its prestigious peer-reviewed journals, world-class conferences, industry-leading certification programs and a suite of professional resources, INFORMS empowers its community to enhance operational efficiency, elevate organizational performance and promote smarter decisions for a better world. Discover more at www.informs.org
###
Contact:
Ashley Smith
443-757-3578
Media Contact
Ashley Smith
Public Affairs Coordinator
INFORMS
Catonsville, MD
[email protected]
443-757-3578