And our education system is no longer keeping our kids competitive, leaving 15-year-old American students ranked 31st in math and 23rd in science.

CNN: States, metro areas outdo Washington

But the jovial Lilian, who has a deep passion for math and numbers, realized that if she wanted to become the globally competitive risk-analysis powerhouse she knew she could be, she needed to go beyond microfinance.

FORBES: Predicting the Path Out of Poverty: Microfinance & Credit Risk Analysis

Because an educated workforce is essential to a 21st century global economy, we've launched a competitive Race to the Top fund through the Recovery Act to reform our schools and raise achievement, especially in math and science.

WHITEHOUSE: Job Creation and Economic Growth