What if I told you that STEM extends beyond classrooms and labs? Today we are at the Stems Site. This site perhaps holds clues to a deeper understanding of how we approach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The acronym STEM represents science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is used in education policy and curriculum choices. It addresses workforce development and national security concerns. A shortage of STEM-educated citizens can reduce effectiveness in national security. It also plays a role in immigration policy.
In the early 1990s, Charles E. Vela used the acronym STEM. Vela founded the Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science and Engineering Education. His STEM Institute was a summer program for under-represented students in Washington, D.C.. Vela served on NSF and Congressional panels. Previously, the NSF referred to it as SMET.
Other variations of STEM include STEAM which adds arts. There is also STEEM which adds economics. STEMIE adds inventing and entrepreneurship. STEMM incorporates medicine and STREAM includes robotics.
By the mid-2000s, China had more PhDs awarded than the United States. They are expected to produce 77,000 PhDs in 2025. The US is expected to produce 40,000.
Many countries are focusing on STEM education. Australia wants all students to have strong STEM knowledge. Canada ranks 12th among peer countries in STEM graduates. China aims to be a technology innovation power by 2050.
Several European projects promote STEM education. The LUMA Center in Finland promotes science, mathematics, and computer science. In Hong Kong, the Education Bureau promotes STEM education.
India had 2.6 million STEM graduates in 2016. Impressively, women make up 43% of STEM graduates in India.
The Philippines uses STEM as a two-year program for Senior High School. AL-Bairaq in Qatar is an outreach program for high school students. Singapore actively supports schools with Applied Learning Programmes.
In the United States, the acronym addresses the lack of qualified candidates for high-tech jobs. It is a key portion of the public education agenda. The NSF uses a broad definition of STEM subjects.
While many organizations follow NSF guidelines, the Department of Homeland Security has its own definition for immigration policy.
Cultivating an interest in science from a young age improves chances of STEM success. President Barack Obama broadened the Mathematics and Science Partnership to improve teacher education.
In 2006, the United States National Academies voiced concern about the declining state of STEM education. Their recommendations included increasing the talent pool and strengthening teacher skills.
NASA also has programs to advance STEM education. Individual states like California and Florida have invested in STEM programs.
Despite women making up nearly half the workforce, they hold only a quarter of STEM jobs. Some evidence suggests that all students have a better chance of earning a STEM degree if their academic credentials are high.
The DC STEM Network unites community partners. They inspire and prepare DC youth to succeed in STEM fields. The Network’s partners identify common measures for high-quality STEM. They map the STEM landscape to increase access and engagement. The landscape surveys were recognized as a national best practice for STEM networks by STEMx. In 2015, the Network launched a one-stop shop website.
So as we stand here at the Stems Site, remember that STEM isn’t just about textbooks. It’s about inspiring the next generation of innovators.