1. Jobs of the Future Rely on STEM Education
The need for a workforce with STEM education and experience is on the rise. By 2030, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 10% (since 2020). Healthcare occupations, typically calling for a STEM background, are projected to grow by 16% in that same time frame. Considering that non-STEM jobs are only projected to grow by 5%, it’s clear that the demand for STEM professionals will be high.
While many STEM jobs do require experience and education in computer technology, there are many different roles available for STEM professionals across fields. Some of the fastest-growing STEM careers include:
- Mathematician science occupations
- STEM post-secondary teachers
- Computer occupations
- STEM-related management (management at STEM-focused companies)
- STEM-related sales (sales roles for STEM-related products and services)
- Physical scientists
- Architects, surveyors, and cartographers
- Engineers
Nearly all of these quickly-growing STEM careers call for college (or higher) degrees. Starting children’s STEM education early, and preparing them for their coursework as they progress through their formative years, is essential to creating opportunities for STEM employment in their futures.
2. More Than Ever, The Future Will Call for Teamwork
Teamwork and collaboration are among the most critical aspects of our STEM curriculum at STEMful. Showing children that, by working together, they can accomplish great things is essential to preparing them to be productive members of society. The world of our future will call for collaboration from people across fields, and early STEM education is a fantastic way to introduce the concept of teamwork.
After all, the majority of STEM research is done within groups, where diverse perspectives and backgrounds come together to solve problems. Practicing communication skills through STEM learning opportunities supports children in discovering that teamwork makes things happen. For instance:
- A group of scientists collaborates to make a discovery and solve a problem.
- A team of construction workers contributes different skills to build a structure.
- A group of writers joins forces to create a TV show script.
- A team of basketball players works together to win a game.
3. Technology Will Only Become More Important in Our Lives
Living through the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how important technology is and how much we count on it in our daily lives. Knowing how to use technology and develop technology proved essential in our society. Even when the pandemic is behind us, the need for using and advancing technology won’t go away!
As technology advances and the workforce requires staffing by individuals with technical training and education, STEM education will be more important than ever. For example, plastics and chemicals, metal products, and automotive industries rely heavily on robotics and automation. Employees with technical skills to operate, maintain, manage, and oversee the technologies used in those industries will be needed for success.
4. STEM Education Prepares Students for Any Field
While there will undoubtedly be a rise in STEM careers in the future, STEM-focused professionals aren’t the only ones who will benefit from early STEM education. Other skills that students can develop with early STEM education, such as those gained with the social-emotional learning we prioritize at STEMful, benefit students in any field they choose.
You’ll be challenged to find any role or profession where an individual doesn’t need to use critical thinking, logical thought processes, problem-solving, project management, or language skills to succeed and flourish. STEM education gives students opportunities to learn, develop, and practice these essential skills so that they’re prepared for any career ahead of them, STEM-focused or not.
5. Children Become Good Citizens With STEM
The future is filled with uncertainty. As we look ahead to how society will change in the coming years, it’s important to consider how adults will facilitate that change. Providing children with STEM-based educational opportunities gives them experiences where they can build confidence, learn to solve problems and develop skills they need to be productive citizens as adults.
Learning how to ask questions, identify and solve problems, and collaborate effectively are critical skills for individuals who will lead society in the future. Those skills help future generations professionally, as we’ve described. But they will support their abilities to navigate complex social and societal issues, paving the way for a positive future.
Prepare Your Children for the Future at STEMful
STEM education is at the heart of our hands-on learning opportunities at STEMful. Our classes, camps, and afterschool programs give students the experiences they need to thrive as adults and make positive contributions to their communities. Visit our Programs page to learn about the programs that help your children develop valuable skills for the future.