There have been many conversations surrounding what the future of our workforce looks like and the gaps in our current labor market. In March, there were over 1 million more job openings than unemployed workers. Since 2009, more than 800,000 STEM jobs have been added to the U.S. economy and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2012 and 2022 there will be another 1 million open STEM-related jobs added to the U.S. economy. This is a 13% rate of growth, faster than the 11% rate of growth projected for all occupations.
Over the last few years, the push for STEM has included a push for the arts and humanities as well, creating STEAM. Studies show that students who have access to an education filled with arts, are not only more apt towards creativity and design-thinking, two important skills needed whether you’re a software engineer or marketing professional, but that they also tend to perform better in science and math, have better test scores, and are even more well-behaved than peers.
Not only that, but STEAM education also helps students find solutions to real world problems – just check out this video from Academy High School in Texas to see how they have set up their school to produce positive impacts on students with this type of inquiry-based approach to education.
The “future” of AI, robotics, computer science, and virtual reality, is now; the need to prepare our graduates for the workforce they will be a part of is long overdue and it requires high-quality STEAM education.
The good news is that many school districts across the country have already started offering more computer science classes and implemented using project-based learning and hands-on opportunities to help bridge the gap in STEM knowledge, critical thinking skills, and adaptability – all vital qualities to landing open jobs and our future workforce.
State workforce development agencies like CareerSource Florida have even started offering competitive apprenticeship programs where apprentices can expect to earn $60,000 to help fill gaps within our workforce! When STEM education is supported by the business community, parents, industry and nonprofits (referred to as STEM ecosystems) our students are better off and our country’s future is brighter.
To learn more about STEM and get your student involved in subjects that could lead to amazing career paths, or even if you want a fun, educational day out of the house – come down to Denver’s Energy Day Festival!
Energy Day is a free, family-focused event that attracts students, educators, and families, showcasing real-world examples and interactive exhibits to highlight the fun students can have in their future careers if they used their classroom skills to pursue STEM education and fill Colorado’s workforce-ready pipeline.
This year’s Energy Day Festival is Saturday, Sept. 28, at East High School, 1600 City Park Esplanade, where you can learn, listen to music, eat great food from area food trucks and enjoy time with your family and friends.
Come out and celebrate this great day of energy education with Consumer Energy Education Foundation (CEEF) and Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA). For more information, visit EnergyDayFestival.org/Colorado.
Author: Mile High Mamas
