Washington – “More than 85 Business Roundtable member CEOs spent the day discussing business’ involvement in education, focusing on the important role education plays in providing a strong foundation for our nation’s competiveness and the creation of better, higher paying jobs.

“Twenty years ago Business Roundtable adopted its first ground-breaking education policy agenda. In today’s competitive global economy, it’s even more important that U.S. business leaders remain committed to education, ensuring it is a top priority. As demonstrated by today’s meeting, our member CEOs are engaged and prepared to support the policies and initiatives required to meet the challenges of the 21st century workplace.

“There are many examples of business involvement in education that deserve high marks – many of them Business Roundtable members – but overall not enough progress has been made. The United States is lagging behind our international competitors in math and science, and while more of our students are going to college, other countries are passing us by in degree completion. More significantly, the United States is the only OECD country where younger adults are not better educated than older adults.

“America’s CEOs are committed to preparing and advancing our workforce by putting the most effective policies in place and investing in the education of our nation,” said William D. Green, Chairman and CEO of Accenture, and Chairman of Business Roundtable’s Education, Innovation and Workforce Intiative.