What event increased the US of America spending on education and technology?

The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957 significantly increased U.S. spending on education and technology. This event spurred fears of falling behind in the space race and led to the National Defense Education Act of 1958, which provided funding for educational programs in science, mathematics, and foreign languages. The emphasis on improving education and technological capabilities aimed to foster innovation and maintain national security during the Cold War era.