What is STEM?

“The old economy was driven by workers who were skilled with their hands and who could reliably work in repetitive and sometimes physically demanding jobs. In the New Economy, knowledge-based jobs drive prosperity. These jobs tend to be managerial, professional and technical positions held by individuals with at least two years of college education. Such skilled and educated workers are the backbone of states’ most important industries, from high-value-added manufacturing to high-wage traded services.” Arizona ranks 16th overall.

“Nearly 80% of future careers will require some STEM skills. A stimulating STEM education is essential for developing the basic analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills central to academic achievement and workforce readiness in the 21st century.”

“Students who regularly engage in meaningful, enjoyable but challenging science and engineering programs in afterschool report more positive attitudes toward science and a greater interest in ‘becoming a scientist’ when they graduate from college. African American, Latino, low income and female students as a whole are generally less interested in science and their parents are less represented in the STEM workforce than other groups.”

“…afterschool programs offer an ideal setting for nurturing the potential scientist in every student, as well …as reinforcing the science taught during the school hours. Compared to the school day, these programs’ smaller groups, longer time slots, and less formal settings provide opportunities for young people to visit museums, study neighborhood environments, cultivate gardens, perform field and laboratory experiments and have their love of discovery awakened in countless other ways.”

“…Afterschool programs are proven to teach the so-called ‘soft skills’ of communication, problem solving and team work, which young people need in any given career. Making use of the hours after school for STEM activities gives students time to develop an interest in science, which is key to getting students into STEM careers.”

“Out of school time programs may be better able to engage girls when they try to relate STEM activities to the girl’s age group, interest in particular STEM subjects, preferred mode of learning, and ability level. Tailoring this experience is especially helpful in engaging girls who otherwise might not be inclined to engage with STEM subject matter.”

“The old economy was driven by workers who were skilled with their hands and who could reliably work in repetitive and sometimes physically demanding jobs. In the New Economy, knowledge-based jobs drive prosperity. These jobs tend to be managerial, professional and technical positions held by individuals with at least two years of college education. Such skilled and educated workers are the backbone of states’ most important industries, from high-value-added manufacturing to high-wage traded services.” Arizona ranks 16th overall.

“Nearly 80% of future careers will require some STEM skills. A stimulating STEM education is essential for developing the basic analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills central to academic achievement and workforce readiness in the 21st century.”