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STEM Business Advocates Linking Employers and Education May 22, 2014. What is STEM Education?. Science , Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning that provides hands-on and relevant learning experiences for students.
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STEM Business AdvocatesLinking Employers and EducationMay 22, 2014
What is STEM Education? • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning that provides hands-on and relevant learning experiences for students. Engages students in critical thinking, problem solving, creative and collaborative skills. Establishes connections between the school, work place, community and the global economy. Helps students understand and apply math and science content, the foundation for success in college and careers.
Why Does STEM Matter? • STEM jobs drive economic growth • ACA – Aerospace and Defense, Technology and Innovation, Renewable energy, Bioscience and Health Care, Optics/Photonics, Advance Manufacturing, Advanced Business Services • TREO – Aerospace and Defense, Bioscience, Solar, Transportation and Logistics • GPEC - Renewable Energy, Biomedical, Advanced Business Services, Manufacturing and Distribution, Mission Critical, Aerospace and Aviation, Emerging Technology STEM-oriented metropolitan economies perform better on a wide variety of economic indicators, from innovation to employment. (Brookings Institute 2013)
Why Does STEM Matter? • Almost all STEM jobs require some level of post-secondary education • 20% of all jobs require a high level of STEM knowledge (Brookings Institute) • STEM jobs are among the highest paying (US Bureau of Labor Statistics) • STEM workers earn on average 26% more than non-STEM workers (U.S. Department of Commerce) • Growth in STEM jobs is expected to outpace growth in other sectors
Are Students Prepared for STEM Careers? • Nationally, only 17% of 12th graders are math proficient and interested in pursuing a STEM career (ACT) • Less that 50% of Arizona High School Graduates are College and Career ready upon gradation • Arizona produces fewer STEM graduates than demand (ASU, Siedman Research Institute)
Arizona STEM Network The Arizona STEM Network, led by Science Foundation Arizona, is a collaboration of businesses, educators, government and philanthropy with a common agenda to graduate more Arizona students prepared for the global economy through STEM education.
Why business engagement? • Why does someone chose to work in the STEM field? • Positive attitude towards math and science • Confidence in math and science skills • STEM career interest • Job understanding • People currently working in the field are well positioned to satisfy these needs. • Students, teachers, school counselors and even parents are not aware of STEM career options. • Kids are better able to make link between what they are learning in the classroom and its real world applications when they are exposed to people working in STEM fields. • Provide your employees with an opportunity to give back.
Who is a STEM Advocate? • STEM Advocates are individuals, businesses and industry organizations that work with teachers, schools and districts to advance real-world learning opportunities and career exploration for students. • How Does the Program work? • The STEM Advocates program makes it easy for business volunteers to get involved. You don’t have to spend hours figuring out who to contact or which programs could use your expertise. We will match you to a school in need or a non-profit whose education programs are proven to be effective. Through our partnership with the national CEO-led initiative Change the Equation, the educational programs we support have demonstrated a stong return oninvestment. You will also have access to the AZ STEM Network website to share your experiences and learn from others.