While we should certainly be investing in our own STEM education, we should take advantage of the thousands of international students who come here to study and are ready to fill these gaps immediately upon graduation.

The quote "While we should certainly be investing in our own STEM education, we should take advantage of the thousands of international students who come here to study and are ready to fill these gaps immediately upon graduation" is from Brad Feld, a well-known entrepreneur and venture capitalist. In this statement, Feld emphasizes the importance of both strengthening domestic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and leveraging the talent of international students who come to the United States for higher education. He suggests that these students are not only an asset to the educational system but also an immediate source of talent ready to contribute to the workforce upon graduation.

Feld's comment highlights the growing need for skilled workers in STEM fields, where there are often more job opportunities than qualified candidates, particularly in the U.S. By recognizing the potential of international students, who bring diverse perspectives and skills, Feld advocates for tapping into this talent pool to meet the demand for workers in critical industries. These students, having received world-class education, are well-prepared to enter the workforce and address skill gaps upon graduation.

The origin of the quote reflects Feld’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in the tech industry, where there is a constant need for highly skilled professionals in STEM fields. He has been an advocate for policies that support not only domestic education but also attract and retain international talent, which he sees as essential to the continued growth of the U.S. economy. His view also stresses the importance of creating a collaborative, global approach to addressing workforce shortages in crucial industries.

Ultimately, Feld’s quote calls for a balanced approach to solving the talent gap in STEM fields. While improving domestic education is important, he suggests that international students offer a valuable and ready-made solution to help fill these gaps immediately after graduation, benefiting both the individuals and the industries they enter.