March Blog | The STEM in STREAM | By Cathy Robey, Kathleen Serzan and Ashley Farnsworth
At Holy Trinity, we believe in teaching the whole student in wisdom and faith so we emphasize S.T.R.E.A.M.(Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math). However, this month we’d like to talk about the S.T.E.M. portion which is in the center of it all.
What is STEM?
S.T.E.M. is an educational curriculum meant to be a comprehensive approach; instead of teaching each subject separately, we as educators aim to incorporate some or all elements of S.T.E.M. into each project we do. Common S.T.E.M. projects include things like bridge building, basic computer programming, coding, and robotics although the opportunities are endless.
Two main overall goals of Holy Trinity’s S.T.E.M. program is to broaden S.T.E.M. literacy and participation, particularly among our students as well as to eventually strengthen the local S.T.E.M. workforce by increasing the number of HT graduates who pursue a career in a related field.
Did you know?
- S.T.E.M. jobs are projected to grow 13%. Between 2017 and 2027, the number of S.T.E.M. jobs will grow 13 percent, compared to 9 percent for non-S.T.E.M. jobs—with positions in computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing leading the way. (Via the Education Commission of the States)
- Specifically, employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow 11% and more. From 2019 to 2029, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11%. This is said to be “much faster” than the average for all occupations. Specifically, the increase doubles for careers in software development, which are projected at 22% growth (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Employment in S.T.E.M. occupations has grown. Overall, since 1990, employment in S.T.E.M. occupations has grown 79%—increasing from 9.7 million to 17.3 million. (Via a 2018 article from Pew Research Center)
- The average median hourly wage for S.T.E.M. jobs is $38.85. Compared to the median earnings for all other types of jobs in the US – $19.30 – S.T.E.M.-related jobs pay exceptionally well. (Via the Education Commission of the States)
President Obama was a particular advocate for the advancement of S.T.E.M. education, saying that American students must “move from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math.” And Holy Trinity has been awarded the Governor’s S.T.E.M. honor for 6 years straight because of our efforts in achieving this! This benefits your students with additional tools to explore S.T.E.M. even more.
S.T.E.M. is important. S.T.E.M. is an economic driver. S.T.E.M. presents opportunity. S.T.E.M. continues to be an integral part of S.T.R.E.A.M. Holy Trinity knows we need to continue to prepare the way for more students to meet these opportunities above as we start our next centennial. That’s part of the reason we shifted some of our Centennial Student Grant funds to the S.T.E.M. Lab this year to ensure our technology keeps up with the rapid rate of change.
We hope you have found this informative and that you take the time to watch our video above of your kids engaged in S.T.E.M. at Holy Trinity!