The Why - STEAM and Early College

Middle schools and high schools need to innovate significantly to educate our kids for tomorrow’s industries.

In what's being hailed as the next Opportunity Gap, African-Americans and Latinos are trailing behind their White and Asian counterparts taking part in the science, technology and engineering education and careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that, during the period 2010–2020, employment in S&E occupations will grow by 18.7%, compared to 14.3% for all occupations. The National Science Foundation projects that individuals employed in S&E occupations earn considerably more than the median earnings for all occupations. Median earnings for S&E occupations were $74,380 in 2009 and $78,270 in 2012. Median earnings for all occupations were $33,190 in 2009 and $34,750 in 2012.

Bottom-line: A STEAM career is a sure way to secure your economic future. If low-income African-American and Latino students do not get early exposure to STEAM sciences and careers, and have the chance to build their skills in these areas, these groups risk being shut out of the most promising gateway into the middle class and economic opportunity for years to come.