Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is the fastest growing sector of employment and higher education in America. U.S. government reports emphasize the necessity of competitive STEM educational systems and workforces in order to maintain economic prosperity and national security as we move further into the 21st century and technological age. According to the National Science Board’s Science and Engineering Indicators 2018, American’s basic STEM skills, while slightly improving over the past 20 years, lag well behind many other countries. Recent directives out of the White House, National Science Board, National Science Foundation, Department of Labor, and many private philanthropic organizations are calling for investment in a more effective and inclusive STEM education ecosystem that advances the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the United States. Three goals, in particular, guide America’s strategy for STEM education: (1) Building strong foundations for STEM literacy, (2) Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and (3) Preparing the STEM workforce for the Future.
Our STEM Pathways initiative holds workshops in partnership with Autism Tree Project Foundation and the University of San Diego’s (USD) Science in the Public Domain course and STEM Outreach Club. These workshops provide hands-on experiences that engage students and increase their self-efficacy. STEM Pathways participants explore various subject matter, connect with peers, and develop skills necessary to be successful in STEM.
Please check back for updates on our upcoming series of STEM Pathways Workshops.