Ready for STEM

In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it's more important than ever that [students] are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions. These are the kinds of skills that students develop in science, technology, engineering, and math, including computer science [...] STEM/CS. If we want a nation where our future leaders, neighbors, and workers can understand and solve some of the complex challenges of today and tomorrow, and to meet the demands of the dynamic and evolving workforce, building students' skills, content knowledge, and literacy in STEM fields is essential.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, including Computer Science, Background section, US Department of Education

Why study STEM?

  • STEM skills are needed to function as an informed consumer and citizen in the 21st century.
  • STEM careers are in high demand.
  • STEM jobs are projected to grow over two times faster than the total for all jobs in the next decade.
  • Computer jobs are projected to make up two thirds of all new STEM jobs created.
  • STEM jobs have higher salaries and lower unemployment rates than non-STEM jobs.
  • The future of Arkansas' economic development depends on our STEM workforce.

The STEM Labor Force of Today: Scientists, Engineers, and Skilled Technical Workers, NSF - National Science Foundation

Why computer occupations are behind strong STEM employment growth in the 2019–29 decade, Beyond the Numbers, US Bureau of Labor Statistics


For more information, please contact:

Michele Snyder, STEM Integration Specialist
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Learning Services
Phone: 501-682-7942
Email: Michele.Snyder@ade.arkansas.gov

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