Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) fields of profession have been in the forefront in
development of the America’s economy. Although this category of professionals
has been facing with numerous problems, its significance cannot be down played.
Recent statistics indicates that the proportion of native STEMs has been
deteriorating over the past decade in comparison to the number of foreign
professionals that are taking up careers in these fields. Colleges and
individuals are presented with the challenge of ensuring that innovations and
inventions that are associated with STEM are carried on through constant and
elaborate community activities aimed at imparting the general lifestyles and at
the same time conveying the importance of STEM fields to our nation.
In the 21st century when the
economic structures are climaxing and educational systems are at their peaks,
an alien would think America is busy thinking about the next space adventure or
weird scientific exploits (Babco
14).
It’s true, scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Mathematicians are
progressively making new discoveries and improving the already sophisticated
technology, but there are problems with the workforce demanded. With every new
venture there emergence dozens of new challenges, it’s for this reason that the
demand a larger workforce working in this volatile field of profession has been
increasing rapidly. Conversely, the number of youths interested in STEM related
jobs has been decreasing. STEM based Community colleges and organization, have
great challenges in ensuring that the community responds positively to the
calls for vigilance and maintaining the technological prowess on track.
Colleges have been adjusting their curricula to ensure that the programs they
offer are aligned with the current technological requirements and at the same
time they are tuned to be suited for students, both studying and aspiring to
take graduate programs in STEM fields. Streamlining stable pipeline for
successful degree and advanced degree programs requires the colleges to involve
the community organizations working in STEM related fields as well as other
stakeholders while formulating new programs. Colleges are a paramount factor in
the development of the economy and formulation of development policies.
The community organizations on the other
hand are the actuators of the economy. The Department of Labor for instance has
been a robust contributor in development of the pipeline for STEM employments.
It has been the pertinent responsibility of the department to train and
encourage more people to join STEM workforce. With an ever increasing demand
for specialized skills, Community-based Job Training Grants have been developed
to aid community colleges in producing tailor-made workforce. The community at
the same time has been handed the responsibility of ensuring that the targets
made in the STEM pipeline are actually achieved. With the number of student
admission in STEM colleges decreasing tremendously, the community has been
challenged to encourage more youths to join STEM pipeline and help propagate
the development prospects of the United States of America and the world at
large (Zinth 27).
Personal responsibility has not been
relegated to individual goals. It is apt that individual working or venturing
into STEM fields work with other parties to increase its popularity amongst
their peers and the larger community. Personal interests in technology have
been the core to different innovations that have been witnessed during this
era. While at Illinois Institute of Technology, I believe that I can impose my
influence and encourage members of my family and friends to join the STEM
community. At the same time I will use the acquired skills coupled with my
innovativeness to impact the current technology. With the guidance of my
instructors and the motivation drawn from the STEM pipeline initiatives, I
believe that by the time I leave Illinois Institute of Technology I will have
an imprint of my influence along my technological track.
In conclusion, all stakeholders in STEM
pipeline development should work hand in hand for the good of STEM fields of
profession. STEM communities have hefty responsibilities that the successes and
progresses that have been witnessed in the past are carried on. It is also the
mandated of the community organizations to offset the current imbalances
especially the representation of women, Hispanic-American, Native-American and
African-American in STEM fields. Individual on the other hand should use their
abilities and influences for the good of STEM pipeline.
Work
Cited
Babco, Eleanor. Skills for the
Innovation Economy: What the 21st Century Workforce Needs and How to Provide
It. Washington, DC: Commission on
Professionals in Science and Technology. 2004.
Zinth, Kyle. Recent State STEM
Initiatives. Denver: Education Commission
of the States. 2006.
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