Sneak Preview from Accents Online June 11, 2015
A strong STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum is a continuing focus in secondary and higher education today, as economists, policymakers, and others emphasize the important role a STEM workforce plays in global competitiveness, education policy, innovation, and immigration. However, understanding the strengths and needs of the STEM workforce is complicated because of the broad umbrella it encompasses.
In a recent examination of STEM workforce studies and debates, the National Science Board developed the following insights that may lead to more constructive discussions about the STEM workforce and how our schools can prepare students to succeed in STEM careers.
Defined in various ways, the STEM workforce is extensive and critical to innovation and competitiveness.
Because the STEM workforce pulls from a broad range of skill sets, it’s difficult to define it succinctly and conclusively. Its composition includes multiple “sub-workforces” that are based on field of degree, occupational field, required education level, or a combination of any of these factors. The STEM workforce includes people engaged in research and development, innovative design, and extensive technology use.
STEM knowledge and skills leads individuals to both STEM and non-STEM occupations.
Although individuals can pursue STEM knowledge and skills as part of their general education, they don’t need to follow a career path in which they will use them directly. The majority of American workers with STEM degrees say their job is related to their education, but the links between their college degrees and occupations are not tightly bound. This means workers can apply their STEM skills in a broader fashion.
Strengthening STEM workforce pathways is needed to increase prosperity and competitiveness.
A strong STEM workforce ensures competitiveness and prosperity. To guarantee that workforce, we need to keep several important elements in mind. First, we must identify and alleviate obstacles along the pathway to STEM careers. Equally important, we need to ensure individuals have access to high-quality education at the secondary level and beyond. And of course, we need to address roadblocks to the participation of traditionally underrepresented STEM groups, including minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.
As the workforce continues to evolve, STEM knowledge and skills will likely become even more vital to a wider range of workers, and it will take the combined efforts of governments, educational institutions, and employers to recreate, sustain, and strengthen that workforce.
Download the full report.