Stemming the STEM Decline

Making STEM Careers Work for Students

Author: Kelsey Matzinger
Work Readiness
Published: Friday, 22 Mar 2024

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Image caption: There's a concerning trend in the declining interest among students, particularly in non-medical STEM professions.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers have long been hailed as the anchor of innovation and economic progress. However, despite the critical role they play in shaping the future, there's a concerning trend in the declining interest among students, particularly in non-medical STEM professions. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), while STEM workers contribute to a significant portion of the U.S. workforce, there remains a significant gender and racial disparity in these fields.

Efforts to attract the upcoming generation to STEM careers have returned mixed results. Recent surveys reveal that only a small percentage of teen girls express interest in non-medical STEM professions, such as robotics or computer coding. This disinterest is mirrored by a decrease in the number of teen boys considering STEM careers. The most concerning aspect is the persistent gap between the representation of different genders and racial/ethnic groups in STEM compared to other professions.

One of the underlying challenges in promoting STEM careers to students may be a misalignment between the perceived appeal of these careers and students' interests and talents. While efforts have been made to highlight the income potential, job stability, and "coolness" factor of STEM jobs, they often fail to address the core values and aspirations of students. For instance, teen girls prioritize careers that allow them to help people, whereas teen boys seek roles where they can excel. These findings suggest a need for a more nuanced approach to STEM career promotion—one that resonates with students' intrinsic motivations and values.

The dropping interest in STEM among students is particularly alarming given the growing demand for skilled STEM professionals in various industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts continued growth in STEM-related jobs, which not only offer higher average pay but also remain unfilled due to a persistent skills gap. The economic impact of this gap is staggering, with millions of dollars lost monthly due to vacant STEM positions.

Efforts to address this shortfall have primarily focused on promoting STEM careers to students from an early age. However, despite these initiatives, there remains an inconsistency between the number of students pursuing STEM majors in college and those ultimately entering STEM-related professions. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of alignment between perceived and actual job realities, industry downsizing, and higher-paying non-STEM alternatives within the same companies.

Additionally, there isn't a comprehensive shortage of STEM professionals across all fields. While some areas experience a surplus of talent, others face critical shortages. This uneven landscape highlights the importance of tailored career guidance and education initiatives to steer students toward the most relevant STEM pathways.

At Junior Achievement, we see opportunities for improvement with STEM awareness efforts. By bringing volunteer role models from diverse STEM backgrounds into classrooms, we introduce students to a wide array of STEM professions and career paths. Research indicates that JA alumni credit the organization for influencing their decisions about further education, impacting their professional development, and motivating them to succeed in their careers. The involvement of diverse STEM professionals in mentorship programs further enhances their effectiveness in engaging students.

The declining interest in STEM careers among students is a multifaceted issue that requires a rounded approach to address. By aligning STEM education initiatives with students' interests and talents, fostering mentorship opportunities, and providing accurate information about STEM careers, we can empower the next generation to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future. Through concentrated efforts from educators and industry stakeholders, we can ensure that STEM thrives as the foundation of innovation and progress in the years to come.