STEM Education is Key to Our Economic Future
May 20, 2014
by Gary Toebben
The next big breakthrough in medicine, the Internet, manufacturing, green energy and construction will all have one thing in common: they will all be discovered or designed by a person educated in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). America's ability to compete globally will depend on innovations related to STEM and the economic opportunities for the young people in our classrooms today will depend on their education in subjects related to STEM.
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is the regional STEM Hub for Los Angeles County. The goal of the L.A. Regional STEM Hub is to create new partnerships between businesses and educators to support a new generation of STEM talent. More than 200 leaders in business and education will share ideas and successes at the Chamber’s STEM + Arts conference tomorrow, May 21 at the Los Angeles Times.
STEM jobs are fueling much of America’s economic growth, but our colleges and universities are not producing enough graduates in STEM fields because not enough college freshmen aspire to a STEM job. Los Angeles’ County students, which represent more than 25 percent of all students in the State, will be a key determinant as to whether California leads or follows in this race to create new innovations and new jobs that pay well.
In 2013, the California Legislature took several steps to address this critical challenge. Investments in innovative approaches like Next Generation Science Standards, Linked Learning pilots and Career Pathways Trust Fund are encouraging partnerships between business and education to stimulate more interest in and appreciation for STEM education. These efforts integrate rigorous academics with career based learning and real work experiences.
Our state's long-term economic outlook will depend on our ability to inspire young people to engage in STEM and our commitment to dedicate educational resources to these disciplines. Students who gain a strong STEM foundation will face brighter job prospects when they graduate — good news for our economy and our families.
And that's The Business Perspective.
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