The STEM Study was a data-driven process based on an analysis of the GLBR against national best practices that form the requirements for a robust STEM Talent Pipeline. The research team investigated top performing STEM states including California, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennesee, Texas, Utah and Washington, as well as interviewing leading STEM nonprofits, the STEMx Powered by Career and College network of member states, and in focused, experiential learning Ready Students – A STEMConnector, the one-stop shop for opportunities that build skills while STEM region is one in STEM information. giving the student an understanding of which students are equipped with the what life would be like in a particular foundational skills needed to pursue The assessment examined the region’s career. STEM degrees and careers. Teachers current practices and overall are empowered to excite students and effectiveness across the Sustained by a Culture of STEM deliver a strong STEM education, and employment continuum, focusing on – A high- performing STEM region is there is a steady supply of high quality four critical components for building a one in which STEM is considered the STEM educators coming into the thriving STEM economy: engine of economic growth and enjoys system. community support. Funding and Driven by Employer Demand – A incentives are offered to drive the most Focused on Strengthening high performing STEM region is one in effective programs to achieve the Technical Skills Needed in the which employers define and community’s STEM goals. Economy – A high-performing STEM communicate their needs to training region is one in which technical skill providers, the K-12 education system Taken together, these four components training providers offer training that is and the broader community. As form the basis of a STEM talent aligned with employer requirements business needs continue to evolve, the pipeline that drives economic and provides students with new requirements are quickly reflected development through educational opportunities to learn STEM skills in in training delivered to workers. attainment. advance of employment. Students have the opportunity to participate FIGURE 1 Requirements for an Effective STEM Talent Pipeline
The STEM Study was a data-driven process based on an analysis of the GLBR against national best practices that form the requirements for a robust STEM Talent Pipeline. The research team investigated top performing STEM states including California, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennesee, Texas, Utah and Washington, as well as interviewing leading STEM nonprofits, the STEMx network of member states, and STEMConnector, the one-stop shop for STEM information. The assessment examined the region’s current practices and overall effectiveness across the continuum, focusing on four critical components for building a thriving STEM economy: Driven by Employer Demand – A high performing STEM region is one in which employers define and communicate their needs to training providers, the K-12 education system and the broader community. As business needs continue to evolve, the new requirements are quickly reflected in training delivered to workers. Powered by Career and College Ready Students – A STEM region is one in which students are equipped with the foundational skills needed to pursue STEM degrees and careers. Teachers are empowered to excite students and deliver a strong STEM education, and there is a steady supply of high quality STEM educators coming into the system. Focused on Strengthening Technical Skills Needed in the Economy – A high-performing STEM region is one in which technical skill training providers offer training that is aligned with employer requirements and provides students with opportunities to learn STEM skills in advance of employment. Students have the opportunity to participate in focused, experiential learning opportunities that build skills while giving the student an understanding of what life would be like in a particular career. Sustained by a Culture of STEM – A high- performing STEM region is one in which STEM is considered the engine of economic growth and enjoys community support. Funding and incentives are offered to drive the most effective programs to achieve the community’s STEM goals. Taken together, these four components form the basis of a STEM talent pipeline that drives economic development through educational attainment. FIGURE 1 Requirements for an Effective STEM Talent Pipeline employment
GLBRA_STEM-Impact-Initiative-Full-Report_final.docx