Reply #19: Probably because there's a mixed message there:

[HughBeaumont]

"PLEASE, consider taking math, science, engineering or technology as a major! We NEED more of you!", our politicians and business leaders say.

Yet at the same time, all of those entry-level jobs are being given to their cheaper offshore counterparts or inshored consultants. Many companies are setting up R & D overseas.

Where's the incentive?

All of that studying, time and monetary investment (engineering schools aren't cheap) and there's only a 50/50 chance they'll land something worth two nickels? If there's no ROI, why bother?

There needs to be more backup to the statement "hard work and education will get you FAR in life".