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This measure would proclaim March 14, 2015, as Pi Day. The measure would also encourage the organization of appropriate activities that celebrate the significance of Pi, urge the formation of partnerships that provide extended exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities, and support the creation of cross-sector STEM networks linking partners from various specified entities to address regional needs in STEM education through information and resource sharing.

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WHEREAS, The Greek letter Pi is the symbol for the ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter, which is a universal constant with applications throughout all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines; and

WHEREAS, The value of Pi was approximated by the Greek mathematician Archimedes around 250 BC as 22/7, but the actual number is irrational, and continues infinitely without pattern or repetition; and

WHEREAS, The value of Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits, but only 39 digits are sufficient to calculate the circumference of the known universe; and

WHEREAS, Pi Day was founded at the Exploratorium in San Francisco 27 years ago, and is celebrated annually on March 14th to correspond with the first three digits of Pi (i.e. 3.14); and

WHEREAS, Pi Day will hold special significance in 2015 when, at 9:26:53 a.m. and p.m., the date and time align with the first 10 digits of Pi (i.e. 3.141592653) for the only time this century; and

WHEREAS, According to a 2013 Brookings Institution study, 20 percent of all jobs in the United States require specialized knowledge in a STEM field; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Commerce reports that growth in STEM jobs over the past 10 years was three times greater than that of non-STEM jobs; and

WHEREAS, According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), American pupils at age 15 are ranked 26th out of the 34 OECD countries in math, and 21st in science; and

WHEREAS, Women, African Americans, and Latinos are underrepresented in STEM occupations relative to their share of the workforce; and

WHEREAS, Research demonstrates that participation in STEM fields increases when pupils are engaged through the hands-on application of science and mathematics to solve real-world problems; and

WHEREAS, A May 2014 report issued by the Superintendent of Public Instructions STEM task force concluded that informal learning opportunities coupled with a broad array of business, philanthropic, and community STEM partnerships can play a critical role in expanding interest, opportunities, and participation in STEM fields; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims March 14, 2015, as Pi Day; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature does all of the following:

(a)Encourages educators, museums, libraries, parks, businesses, and community-based groups to organize appropriate activities that celebrate the significance of Pi, and engage students of all ages in the study of science and mathematics.

(b)Urges the formation of business, philanthropic, and community partnerships that provide extended exposure to STEM learning opportunities.

(c)Supports the creation of cross-sector STEM networks linking partners from government, business, community organizations, and nonprofits to address regional needs in STEM education through information and resource sharing; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.