• More than half of the U.S. economy's growth in the last 50 years is due to scientific and technology innovation.

• The most common degree among Fortune 500 CEOs is an engineering degree.

However, America's education system has fallen behind other nations in training future engineering leaders.

• U.S. high schools graduate nearly 4 million students each year. Fewer than two percent of today's students will obtain an engineering degree.

• The percentage of U.S. students taking engineering courses is the second lowest of all developed countries.

• Less than 15 percent of U.S. high school graduates have the background to major in engineering.

To remain competitive, SMU unveils the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education, established by a gift from the Caruth Foundation of Communities Foundation of Texas.

• The Caruth Institute is a national response to our critical need for increasing the competitiveness of our students in engineering, innovation and technology.

• The institute's initiatives will enable SMU to build the nation's strongest research and development team in K-16 engineering education.

• A new Caruth Hall will be constructed to house the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education. This cutting-edge, green facility will become the national home to our many existing programs, including the Infinity Project, the Gender Parity Initiative and Visioneering.