STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Add the "A" into the mix, which represents the creative and fine arts, and the result is STEAM. The concept of a K-12 STEM/STEAM education is one that integrates these content areas into real-world applications and learning experiences in an effort to prepare our students to compete and be successful in today's world.
Regionally, nationally, and globally the job industry is begging for employees who have experience and skills related to the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. According to ITT Technical Institute, “In 2010 there were 7.6 million STEM workers in the United States, representing 1 in 18 workers” (
http://www.itt-tech.edu/). In the years since then, that number has been steadily rising, and as a result, it is only a matter of time before the majority of tomorrow’s jobs are founded in STEM. In fact, it is estimated that by the year 2018, there will be a need for over 8.6 million workers in STEM-related jobs (
http://www.stemconnector.org).
So, what does that mean for New Castle Area School District? It means we must prepare our students now for the jobs they will most likely hold in the not-so-distant future.
For more information about STEM education from the U.S. Department of Education, click
HERE.