A Quick Primer On "STEM"

Kim Vij |

The topic of STEM seems to appear often in discussions about education in the recent news. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education. It’s becoming a more and more prominent topic in the mainstream and is something all parents should consider.

Major U.S. companies and school districts have fostered a growing interest in STEM. But why? One of the main reasons to focus on these areas is that the skills and knowledge in these subjects are essential for student success. As Apple founder Steve Jobs put it, “I think everyone in this country should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.” In addition, these fields will play a part in the real world, influencing a child’s potential future jobs. There is growing concern that the students of today are not prepared for the jobs of tomorrow unless we put more focus and resources towards STEM education – especially at an early age.

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that the number of STEM jobs will grow by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018 – many of which could remain unfilled because of the lack of qualified individuals. “(STEM) workers play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy, and are a critical component to helping the U.S. win the future,” the Department of Commerce says.

Sylvan Learning is launching new STEM enrichment programs for kids all across the United States and Canada. Read more about the value of coding at www.sylvanlearning.com/blog/index.php/coding_for_kids/.