STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Why is starting early so important?
To understand the need, let’s take a look at the numbers:
- In 1960, 1.1 million Americans worked in Science and Engineering fields, while today it’s approaching 6 million, according to the National Science Foundation.
- In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the amount of people employed in careers related to STEM was expected to increase to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022.
- In 2005, the NSF reported that 30.9% of college Freshman intended to major in Science or Engineering, but today that number has gone up to over 40%—47% for males.
- STEM jobs pay well. “In 2012, the median earnings for workers in S&E occupations (regardless of education level or field) were $78,270, more than double the median ($34,750) for all U.S. workers,” according to the NSF.
- The most recent United States PISA rankings placed the U.S. 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science.
The numbers don't lie, we need to add more STEM in the mainstream curriculum at a faster rate and earlier age than ever before. Not only does STEM curriculum and activities teach real world, hands on skills - STEM education also provides the soft skills needed in the professional world. The truth is having only hard skills is not enough for getting a job or keeping it. Companies and hiring managers are looking for certain personality traits in a candidate. Adaptability and resilience, communication skills, critical thinking, and other skills that boost productivity. STEM education helps kids to develop these soft skills from an early age, because it requires them to think through problems and find solutions. During STEM projects students need to interact with each other and teachers to communicate their thoughts, and explore new ideas. Even when they’re working individually, different parts of their brains are engaged, which results in a better memory and improved cognitive skills.
STEM Fuse is committed to providing accessible, relevant and engaging STEM curriculum.
