Why diversity and STEM education are critical to our future workforce

Key points:

STEM allows us to push the boundaries of innovation, enabling people to set foot on the moon, develop life-saving healthcare, and promote clean forms of energy. We also have STEM to thank for how we live, from asking our smartphone’s voice assistant to play our favorite music to connecting with our parents on a video call.

Every year we dedicate November 8 National STEM Day to encourage students to explore and pursue their interests in STEM fields of study that drive our world forward.

Understanding the growing need for STEM education

Although there has been a 62 percent growth rate In STEM education and degrees earned across the board in terms of race, gender, and ethnicity in the United States over the past decade, there is still much to be done when it comes to encouraging women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM fields. In fact, today women only make up 35 percent of the STEM workforcewhile all underrepresented groups represent 24 percent, and People with disabilities represent only 3 percent.

By 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that career opportunities in STEM will grow 10.8 percent compared to 2.3 percent growth for non-STEM occupations. However the tech-workers-in-semiconductor-industry-and-throughout-u-s-economy/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Semiconductor Industry Association predict a worker deficit of around 67,000 workers at the end of the decade. To keep up with the growing number of STEM jobs, it is imperative that companies within the broader technology industry close the STEM education gap and encourage access for the workforce of the future.

In my role as Chief People Officer, I have a front-row seat to the changing landscape of STEM-related job functions, as various fields increasingly integrate technology and emphasize data-driven decision making. I have seen the value and understand the importance of diversity in the industry, so one of my goals is to ensure that investments in STEM education around the world intentionally create greater opportunities for women and underrepresented communities.

in a study exploring teachers’ views on the impact of STEM education on the labor market, results indicate that STEM education supports greater job opportunities, which in turn leads to greater economic growth. Unemployment rates and the social costs associated with unemployment are lower among STEM education graduates. Additionally, the study implies that those who receive STEM education become curious and engaged learners and develop a sense of entrepreneurship that creates new career possibilities.

Leading the industry by example

It is vital that the broader tech industry takes action and increases access to STEM education. The STEM education gap is an opportunity that welcomes participation from stakeholders across markets, businesses, community partners, and nonprofits. Businesses can play a critical role in closing this gap through strategies that include partnerships with educational institutions, internships and apprenticeship programs, student outreach and community programs, intentional inclusive practices to recruit and hire people from a wide range of backgrounds. and encourage continuous learning within their organizations.

Overall, we have made great strides in global STEM representation, but our work is just beginning. To accelerate innovation, we must continue to welcome, provide access and remove barriers for everyone, including women, people with disabilities, and people from rural and underrepresented communities. We do this by breaking new ground through education, creating hands-on, interactive exhibits in museums, or bringing STEM to students with limited access through summer camps and regional community colleges.

By removing barriers to STEM education and encouraging careers in this field, the industry will flourish and prosper with continued advancements and innovation.

Celebrating innovation and curiosity

This STEM Day and beyond, let’s celebrate and thank our STEM pioneers: those who are already leading the way, like the teachers, volunteers and mentors who support programs that inspire the next generation. Let’s celebrate STEM students – the future innovators who will earn patents and make breakthroughs that will accelerate the advancement of our society.