Microsoft Corporation revealed results in early September of a survey of college STEM students and parents. Among the key findings were that only half of those parents who believed that STEM should be a US priority felt that it actually was; more felt that the priority was important for global competitiveness than for higher wages or job fulfillment for their children; only 24% were extremely willing to spend extra money to ensure their children's success in math and science classes.
Of college students pursuing STEM degrees, 20% made the decision in middle school or earlier, while 78% made it in high school; somewhat more females than males were led to the decision by a teacher. Only 1/5 of students felt adequately prepared by high school courses, and the less-prepared students felt that more STEM offerings in high school would have been helpful. Approximately two-thirds of the students chose STEM fields for job security or wages or intellectual challenge, rather than at parent urging. While males generally chose the field because of enjoyment of STEM subjects, most females chose the pathway because they wanted to make a difference. http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/sep11/09-07MSSTEMSurveyPR.mspx
Background information with the survey results also outlines Microsoft's initiatives supporting STEM education.
Of college students pursuing STEM degrees, 20% made the decision in middle school or earlier, while 78% made it in high school; somewhat more females than males were led to the decision by a teacher. Only 1/5 of students felt adequately prepared by high school courses, and the less-prepared students felt that more STEM offerings in high school would have been helpful. Approximately two-thirds of the students chose STEM fields for job security or wages or intellectual challenge, rather than at parent urging. While males generally chose the field because of enjoyment of STEM subjects, most females chose the pathway because they wanted to make a difference. http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2011/sep11/09-07MSSTEMSurveyPR.mspx
Background information with the survey results also outlines Microsoft's initiatives supporting STEM education.
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