A new report has revealed that the American education system needs to do more to prepare young people for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The survey results are based on a Gallup Panel web survey conducted between Sept. 11-19, 2023, with a sample of 2,006 12- to 26-year-olds nationally.
The report highlights the views of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2011, on STEM careers.
The study surveyed over 2,000 members of Gen Z in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation.
The Gallup survey is part of a long-term study of American youth aged 12 to 26 to understand their opinions and experiences on various education-related topics.
The survey found that while Gen Z youth are generally interested in STEM jobs, they rarely choose them as their first-choice careers.
This raises concerns about whether Gen Z will contribute to the labor shortages already affecting STEM sectors.
Additionally, the report found that although many Gen Z students and adults believe their K12 schools have taught them about STEM careers, they have yet to be exposed to foundational content that underlies many STEM jobs.
Exposure to STEM content in school is essential because it is associated with postsecondary STEM interests.
Students exposed to more STEM topics in middle and high school are likelier to pursue STEM majors in college and ultimately obtain STEM careers.
The survey reached 1,228 12- to 18-year-old children nationally through adult members of the Gallup Panel who indicated they had at least one child 18 or younger living in their household.
An additional 778 18- to 26-year-old respondents are members of the Gallup Panel.
Careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are considered to be future jobs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of STEM occupations is projected to increase by 11% by 2032, supporting economic growth, national security, and America’s competitiveness on the global stage.
To fill these in-demand STEM roles in fields as diverse as 5G telecommunications and semiconductor manufacturing, American businesses need future workers who are ready, willing, and able to pursue them.
Over the past two decades, there has been significant financial investment in STEM education, particularly in K-12 schools, to prepare youth for future STEM careers.
This is especially true at the federal level, where millions of dollars annually have been funneled directly to districts and agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation to promote STEM education.
