Welcome to the AV STEM Center Blog

This blog will provide information about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics efforts within the Antelope Valley, as well as links to helpful STEM sites and info from beyond. Check back periodically for updates.

Connect a Million Minds Tagline

Connect a Million Minds Tagline

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

How to Increase Numbers of STEM Students

Rodney C. Adkins, Sr. VP of IBM's Systems and Technology Group, recently wrote a piece in Forbes about three ways to increase the number of STEM students in the US to keep pace with attrition and to fuel economic growth.  First, public-private partnerships can create and maintain the enthusiasm of students in STEM subjects through mentorships and assisting in early-college high school or dual enrollment programs.  Second, more under-represented students, such as females and students of color, need to be included in the STEM pipeline through continued public and private initiatives.  Finally, students need local role models to work with and encourage them to succeed.  Forbes - America Needs More STEM Students .

In a similar vein, Alicia Abella of AT&T Labs addresses the same type of issues regarding the need to promote STEM majors and careers to women.  See her recent interview by Katy Hopkins in US News and World Report at http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/07/10/how-to-encourage-women-to-consider-stem-majors

Regarding Adkins's final point, results from a recent study by the University of Wisconsin indicate that parents can play a pivotal role in having their students take more advanced math and science classes; the study provided additional materials to some parents of 10th graders - the children of those who received the materials took more courses than those who didn't.  http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/extra-credit/extra-credit-teach-your-children-well-about-stem/article_c734cd64-cb87-11e1-8bea-0019bb2963f4.html .

No comments:

Post a Comment