STEM is an acronym largely used in the United States in reference to science, technology, engineering and math-related disciplines.
STEM-Related Fields
Specific STEM-related fields include:
- biology
- biochemistry
- biotechnology
- civil, industrial, chemical, electrical, nuclear, mechanical and bio engineering
- physics
- chemistry
- computer science and engineering
- microtechnology
- nanotechnology
- mathematics
- statistics
- quantum mechanics
- and many more
Why Are The STEM Fields Important?
In the global market, there is a great desire to be a highly competitive and efficient company. Additionally, with limited resources like fuels, companies desire to make more green products like automobiles in a more eco-friendly manner. Pharmaceutical drugs and varied treatments are all part of an equation to extend the longevity and quality of life.
As the National Science Foundation has documented, math, science, and technology work in universities is an "essential [part of the] foundation for U.S. competitiveness in a global economy" [NSF - Division of Science Resources Statistics, Research and Development: Essential Foundation for U.S. Competitiveness in a Global Economy. Arlington, VA (NSB08-03), January 2008].
Very detailed statistics concerning the STEM fields and their importance in a 21st century world are well-documented on the National Science Foundation's S&E Indicators 2008 website [National Science Foundation - Division of Science Resources Statistics, Science and Engineering Indicators 2008. Arlington, VA (NSB 08-01; NSB 08-01A), January 2008] .
STEM-Related Higher Education in America
These disciplines are very technical and often require education beyond junior high school; in many cases, post-secondary education is necessary. These majors often times attract the best and brightest, yet often times are underrepresented in the student population.
The U.S. government has stepped up funding programs to promote, expand, and improve STEM education in U.S. schools, and has programs such as ADVANCE through the National Science Foundation to help increase the diversity of scientists globally.
The National Science Foundation-supported National Action Plan for 21st Century STEM Education hopes to reduce this gap within grade school education as well promote increased STEM teacher training.
Many large corporations promote the STEM program and host science fairs (example: Intel). There are countless scholarships and awards for aspiring professionals in the STEM fields, ranging from Goldwater Fellowships to the SMART Education Program.
In addition to encouraging people into scientific inquiry and helping pay for education, many professional organizations promote mentorship programs, some of which pair students interested in STEM studies with professionals in industry and academia, and others which pair young professionals with a more senior STEM researcher. The idea is that this will help reduce scientists from leaving the field for other academic and professional interests, and will help foster collaboration among scientists.
Who Advocates for STEM Professionals and Students?
Some of the groups supporting and funding STEM programs and educations in the U.S. include the National Science Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Association for Women in Science. Some groups are governmental; some are privately-funded through professional membership dues. Some of these groups are geared towards promotion of legislation and funding of all STEM fields, while others are specifically geared towards a discipline and/or ethnic/gender group. However, the message is clear: many acknowledge and realize the problems our world faces and are striving to expand STEM research in the United States to help address and problem solve to benefit society as a whole. The investment and expansion of the STEM fields is integral to future success and improvement of life and the environment.
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