Why STEM?

What is STEM?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Wikipedia provides definitions, examples, and links to other resources.

Why STEM?

  • Skills STEM skills are vital to be successful in the 21st century. Every job, even the ones you wouldn’t expect, will require at least basic STEM skills. Research shows that STEM skills are transferable and needed in every job sector. STEM graduates are problem solvers, innovators, inventors, and logical thinkers. They are able to immediately take advantage of opportunities through post-secondary institutions and businesses. They also have the ability to enter a college-level STEM course without the need for remediation.
  • Good JobsEighty percent of jobs created in the next decade will require math and science skills. STEM jobs pay higher wages and offer more job security during economic downturns than other sectors.
  • Economic Growth A recent poll of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable identified STEM as one of three top priorities.

From Governor Patrick’s proclamation of October 2009 as STEM Education Month:

Whereas… The Commonwealth of Mass is a worldwide leader in innovation; and

Whereas… To compete in the global economy and with other states, Massachusetts needs to leverage more effectively its resources in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math; enhance the state’s STEM workforce; increase the number of high-skills STEM jobs; and keep high school and college graduates living in the Commonwealth; and

Whereas… It is important for the state to partner with the private sector to promote STEM education and careers; and voluntary cooperation among state agencies, elementary and postsecondary educations systems and business and community members will contribute to the success of these efforts: and

Whereas… The establishment of a STEM Council in the Commonwealth is an important step in creating the alignment that is essential to deliver the high-quality education and workforce training needed to prepare each resident for life and work,

Now, therefore, I Deval Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth do hereby proclaim October 2009 to be STEM Education Month.