Students need an education with a solid foundation in STEM areas so that they are prepared to both work and live in the 21st Century. Since the 1960s, the demand for skills has changed significantly – the demand for routine manual task skills have decreased, while the demand for non-routine interactive task skills have increased significantly.
- Workforce projections for 2014 by the U.S. Department of Labor show that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations require significant science or mathematics training to successfully compete for a job.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional information technology (IT) jobs will increase 24% between 2006 and 2016.
- However, as jobs requiring a solid background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are growing – more students are choosing not to major in these areas.
- In 2001, only 8% of all degrees awarded in the U.S. were in engineering, mathematics or the physical sciences.
- The U.S. ranks 20th internationally based on our share of graduate degrees awarded in engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
- By 2010, if current trends continue, more than 90 percent of all scientists and engineers will be living in Asia.
If students continue to pursue degrees and careers in fields other than STEM related areas, the U.S. will find it difficult to compete in the global economy. Further, the U.S. will not be able to meet its future workforce needs. The U.S. needs 400,000 new graduates in STEM fields by 2015. Microsoft reports that only 14% of students graduating with bachelor’s degrees in Washington state have the skills that they need. Without a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, students will not be qualified for many jobs in the workplace – including many jobs beyond traditional engineering or science-related jobs.
It's not a scare tactic, but it is scary.
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