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STEM

STEM is an educational program that prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It aims to develop skills like inquiry, logical reasoning and collaboration. The goal of STEM is to increase the supply of qualified workers and boost innovation to support the US economy. It gained importance in the 2000s due to reports highlighting the importance of STEM jobs. STEM programs integrate disciplines, develop a strong work ethic and use real-world projects to allow students to learn and contribute to research. Having more STEM-skilled workers boosts the economy and global competitiveness.

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363 views

STEM

STEM is an educational program that prepares students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It aims to develop skills like inquiry, logical reasoning and collaboration. The goal of STEM is to increase the supply of qualified workers and boost innovation to support the US economy. It gained importance in the 2000s due to reports highlighting the importance of STEM jobs. STEM programs integrate disciplines, develop a strong work ethic and use real-world projects to allow students to learn and contribute to research. Having more STEM-skilled workers boosts the economy and global competitiveness.

Uploaded by

Angela
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is STEM?

Ben Lutkevich,
STEM is an educational program developed to prepare primary and secondary
students for college, graduate study and careers in the fields of science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM). In addition to subject-specific learning, STEM
aims to foster inquiring minds, logical reasoning and collaboration skills.

The goal of STEM programs is to increase the supply of qualified high-tech


workers in the U.S., bolster innovation, improve the country's competitive position
globally and strengthen economic growth. STEM gained importance in the early
2000s following the publication of several reports. One 2005 report from the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine entitled "Rising Above the
Gathering Storm" emphasized the importance of science and technology jobs in
fostering innovation, addressing societal problems and maintaining U.S. prosperity.

The Maryland State Department of Education developed a definition of STEM in


2012 that included the following seven standards of practice or skill necessary in a
STEM program:

 learn and apply content

 integrate content

 interpret and communicate information

 engage in inquiry

 engage in logical reasoning

 collaborate as a team

 apply technology appropriately


Importance of STEM
STEM in higher education teaches students to think critically, prepares them for
careers and creates professionals that can work across scientific disciplines to solve
challenging problems.
STEM integrates multiple disciplines and trains students to use cross-disciplinary
knowledge to solve problems. Additionally, STEM students take a rigorous and varied
course load and develop a strong work ethic.

STEM programs promote a learn-by-doing approach. Students participate in real-


world projects with real-world consequences. For example, students often participate
in university research programs. This approach allows students to learn while also
taking an active role in the development of emerging technology and groundbreaking
research.

Universities hosting STEM programs benefit as well. They get credit for and revenue
from new technologies the programs generate. For example, the University of
Minnesota received $66 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases to fund a program for antiviral drug development in 2022. The University
was awarded this grant as a result of its innovative efforts in the initial response to the
COVID-19 pandemic.

Having workers with STEM skills boosts the U.S. economy and helps the country
compete globally. To maintain an adequate STEM workforce, the U.S government
offers programs to help immigrants with skills in STEM subjects obtain work visas.
Careers
in STEM fields require a variety of skills, depending on the job, though most require critical
thinking and problem solving capabilities.
Reasons to consider majoring in a STEM field
There are many reasons to consider a STEM major. The following are some of them:

 Challenging field of study. If students want an engaging field of study that


challenges them, STEM is the way to go.

 Higher paying careers. STEM offers students a chance at higher paying jobs. In


2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that STEM occupations had almost
double the annual mean wage compared to the national average for all
occupations.

 Make a difference. STEM gives students the tools to apply themselves to real-


world problems and develop innovative solutions to those problems.

 Travel. STEM majors often have study abroad programs that enable students to
travel, study and possibly work overseas.
 Job security. STEM skills are sought after in many occupations and can translate
well across occupations. Most STEM majors require rigorous problem-solving and
critical-thinking skills, which are useful in almost any occupation.

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