Science, math and engineering can give you the exhilarating power to become not mere spectators or consumers, but the active explorers, makers and doers who will help invent the future.

To recover from the current economic downturn, it has been estimated that we need to create on the order of 17 million to 20 million new jobs in the coming decade...And it's very hard to imagine where those jobs are going to come from unless we seriously get busy reinventing manufacturing.

I want MIT to be the dream of every child who wants to grow up to make the world a better place. We need to reach those young explorers and bring them with us on the great adventure of discovery and innovation.

Will America lead...and reap the rewards? Or will we surrender that advantage to other countries with clearer vision?

Innovations that drive lasting economic growth emerge from the most advanced science, mathematics and technology.