Why do U.S. kids avoid science?

The column (July 2) by George Will is troubling.

Mr. Will points out that 50 years ago, a man from Kansas, Jack Kilby, came up with the idea of the microchip. This led to a whole new industry.

Mr. Will then states that two thirds of our doctoral candidates in science and engineering are currently foreign born. Most of these highly trained people must leave the U.S. due immigration policy.

He questions the resulting situation whereby foreign citizens learn "sophisticated and highly remunerative skill(s) at American taxpayers' expense" and then go home to compete against American companies.

I, too, question this situation. For nearly 40 years, I was a chemist and materials engineer before retiring in 2000.

My job and various technical societies required interaction with Chicago and suburban universities.

My experience from 1985 until retirement supports Mr. Will. the great majority of technical graduate students in the U.S. are foreign born and primarily Asian.

My question is, why are so many of our own children avoiding careers in science and engineering?

Is it because of economics, our schools, our "popular culture," or the fact that we have raised pampered, lazy kids?

C. E. Glomski

Elk Grove Village