STEM Jobs Could be the Solution to Unemployment in the U.S.

In the United States, jobs are increasingly requiring a STEM education in their employees. STEM related jobs (anything ranging from science, technology, engineering, and mathematical jobs) would increase by 17 percent over the next decade. By increasing the number of workers with STEM education, the 7% unemployment rate could drop, and more people can return to work. A bachelor degree is not required for all jobs, and some only require technical training. Another advantage in STEM jobs is that workers get a higher pay than other workers do. They earn up to a 26 percent greater wage than non-STEM workers do. Organizations have taken initiatives to promote STEM, starting at primary education. They promote subjects such as math and science to students from elementary school all the way to the university level. Organizations such as Lead the Way, Achieve, and Techbridge, have worked closely with minority female students and encouraged STEM education.

If the STEM movement were to be successful among students, the unemployment problem in our nation could be counteracted. With the necessary skills, educated people could fill the vacant job places in the science, technology, and mathematical fields, which in turn would benefit the economy. Higher salaries would lead to more spending and business growth. On the other hand, if the movement is not successful, the empty job slots will remain. People tend to stay away from STEM jobs or get discouraged because it seems too difficult. Mathematics is not everyone’s favorite subject, and at glance, it is not attractive to students. In addition, many people do not know what STEM is or what kind of jobs does it include. Something needs to be done to further promote math and science to students. Part of the problem could be that students have difficulty in understanding the subjects themselves. If a student does not understand something, that student tends to eventually give up and move to something else.

Possible solutions would be further educating the public about STEM and its opportunities, help the students who are struggling in math and science, and changing the unpopular connotation that math and science have. Other countries such as South Korea and Canada have students with a high proficiency in mathematics, whereas the United States does not. This may have to do with the way teachers teach students at their public or private schools or with the way school districts run the education of the students. Maybe it is just the students themselves who are just not motivated enough. Education in the United States works not just towards math and science, but also to a whole range of different subjects such as English, social studies, arts, and foreign languages. The freedom to choose in this country is prevalent, and students study what is necessary in order to achieve their dream. Some people pursue a career regardless of their future income or success. True success comes from within. It is the feeling that one gets when they have done something right.

Based on http://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/chevron-stem/2013/10/new-national-education-imperative/29/