"K-12 & Beyond: Growing Tomorrow's Careers with a Focus on STEM"

STEM - Science, Techonoloy, Engineering, Mathematics

A recent panel of corporate executives and educational experts discussed the overwhelming need for high quality STEM education now in our public schools. Why is there such a urgent need and focus? Consider the following points;

• There is a large percentage of low income, minority and immigrant students not pursuing college.




• STEM jobs will be 8% of all jobs in Virginia in 2018.




• Over the next decade 80% of all jobs will require STEM proficiency.




• There is a definite disconnect between education and industry.

So how do we bridge this discrpency or disconnect and provide quality STEM education to our students?

1. Afford teachers the opportunity to enter corporations and businesses over the summer to gain a better understanding of the skill sets that are necessary and how to prepare students for the future workforce.




2. Attain private sector investments for education, particularly STEM education.




3. Offer a variety of STEM programs, including hands-on curriculum in our public schools.




4. Reform the current Standards of Learning in the areas of science and math to better align with industry needs.




5. Articulate a clear vision of STEM education.

What other solutions are possible to moving forward with STEM education and tomorrow's careers?