Education is a dynamic space. Like any other industry, theory and best practices are ever-evolving. But at the core of a practical education that offers a promise of economic mobility is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
There’s a reason a focus on STEM education is the backbone of our work at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation. STEM gives students the tools they need to navigate and become successful contributors to society when it’s time to enter the “real world.”
There’s more to STEM than it seems. Focusing on STEM doesn’t mean we are matriculating a generation of cold, unimaginative calculators. It goes way beyond memorizing facts and formulas. A quality STEM education is holistic. It nurtures risk taking, critical thinking, hones problem-solving abilities, and often demands creativity, curiosity, and imagination.
These attributes are the essential building blocks of a successful career that’s prosperous, future-proof, and purposeful. Given the pace of technological advancement and the ubiquity of technology in everyday life, a proper STEM education isn’t just “nice to have,” it is essential.
Prioritizing STEM education is especially critical for achieving educational equity. The unfortunate reality—even given STEM’s demonstrable importance—is that many underserved communities lack the resources and expertise needed to nurture STEM advancement. For many students, at-home internet access is precarious. The devices needed to develop STEM skills naturally are often prohibitively expensive. Making sure each student receives a comprehensive STEM education helps close the digital divide and opportunities/achievement gap by opening up pathways that were previously unwalkable for the students who need the most help.
The unavoidable fact is, STEM careers are some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs available today.
A field like software development and engineering has a near-constant demand for new talent equipped with the most up-to-date skills. The need for new applications, innovative systems, and an evolving perspective of what’s possible in our digital world is everlasting. As data transitions from information to something more akin to currency, data science will be an emerging field brimming with opportunities for a new generation of STEM experts to drive us forward.
And not to get all gloom-and-doom, but climate science might represent our most pressing need for dynamic talent. STEM can prepare students for aerospace or renewable energy careers in which they can develop innovative solutions to global challenges that might have life-saving potential. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical research—STEM. Robotics and AI—STEM.
Most simply, the future of our species is in the hands of STEM experts, which means providing every student with a sound STEM education isn’t just right and equitable, but the next chapter of human history depends on it.
With a generous heart,
Lisa