STEM occupations are currently growing over two times faster than any other occupation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Millions of jobs are projected to go unfilled as universities are only expected to produce one-third of the graduates needed to fill these careers.
According to a 2018 White House report, 80% of high school graduates are unprepared for college-level coursework in STEM majors. To adequately prepare students to pursue careers in STEM, comprehensive STEM programming is needed at the elementary, middle, and high school level.
We need to encourage students to develop the skills they need to be STEM professionals, as these skills become more and more important as technology advances. Schools can help encourage students, historically underrepresented students and female students in particular, to learn as much as they can about STEM before college, so they feel adequately prepared for college-level coursework.
Techno Tinkers provides an elegant solution to this problem. Our thoughtfully-designed, student-centered kits and project guides provide schools with a complete STEM curriculum. Moreover, absolutely no prior STEM experience is required for teachers. Our lesson plans are easy-to-follow, and are included, along with project ideas, with all student kits purchased. Our materials help guide STEM courses, summer camps, engineering/computer science clubs, homeschooling programs, and more.
Additionally, our Girls Computing Clubs empower female students and directly address the challenges and stereotypes that come with being a woman in STEM. By building supportive networks of mentors and students, we hope to help close the gender gap in technology.
Technology is the future. It is in the world’s best interest to ensure students develop the skills they need to make sense of our technology-driven world, and develop the analytical and creative problem-solving skills they’ll need to thrive professionally in the 21st century, regardless of their final choice of career. Adapting elementary, middle, and high school curricula to better prepare students for STEM majors in college, encouraging students to practice programming, mathematics, and other crucial STEM skills, and providing young students with mentors with similar backgrounds are the best ways to ensure that all interested students can ultimately find fulfilling careers in STEM.
