We STEM supporters are aware of the importance of STEM
education and the benefits it brings to Arizona’s economy and that of America
and its future. We strive to invite
students to dive into the areas that will bring incredible knowledge and stronger
job opportunities for their future. Great efforts and programs have being
initiated in our communities but in order to be inclusive and tap all the
creativeness and ingenuity available to us, we must allocate efforts to include
often unrepresented communities in STEM education.
Women, people with disabilities, African American, Hispanics,
and Native Americans do not have the numbers of individuals involved in many
STEM fields where we need their visions for the future and contributions. We understand a successful field is one that
is inclusive with opportunities for all.
This is especially critical for Arizona, which is set to
become a minority majority state soon where the make-up of the young population,
our future labor force, is different than previous generations.
How can we help to incorporate everybody into STEM fields? Having wonderful statewide programs like the Arizona
SciTech Festival, which inspires individuals of all ages and levels to consider
and enter STEM fields, is one of the components for success along with the work
of our educational institutions, from K-12 all the way to college, providing the
instruction and academic rigor needed to succeed. Researchers of STEM education point out the
importance of setting specific outreach programs that target specific
underrepresented populations. Here in
Arizona we have great organizations and individuals who dedicate their efforts
to share the gospel of STEM to all.
These efforts make the news and make us all proud. They demonstrate that every student, no
matter where she or he is or where he/she comes from, can set their minds to achieving
higher goals; and expectations can accomplish anything… with a little help from
the community.
