STEM PROGRAM
In a world of increasing complexity, the U.S. Department of Education says success will be driven not just by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know - how to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence and make sense of information. These are the critical skills gained through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The U.S. Department of Commerce offers a bright outlook, with a projected 10.5% growth in STEM-related jobs by 2030, far faster than average for non-STEM positions.1 The good news is that STEM degree holders receive higher earnings, whether they work in a STEM or non-STEM fields. Workers in STEM occupations also experience lower unemployment rates, on average, than those employed in other fields.
Why STEM at HMLSL?
Our STEM programs align with the needs of an ever-growing, highly technological global community. What's more, they continuously evolve as we identify new programs that focus on the skills the market is demanding. In each case, you'll experience hands-on applied learning vs. theoretical, led by highly skilled faculty who bring their real-world expertise into the classroom.
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Through STEM, students develop key skills including:
• Problem solving
• Creativity
• Critical analysis
• Teamwork
• Independent thinking
• Initiative
• Communication
• Digital literacy.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and refers to any subjects that fall under these four disciplines. Because these things are never straightforward, there are also dozens of alternative versions of STEM (including STEAM, STREAM and METALS) but STEM is by far the most widely-used.
The acronym originates from discussions about the lack of qualified graduates to work in high-tech jobs in the US. Since its creation, governments and universities around the world have made attracting students to STEM courses a priority, in order to address this shortfall. In some cases, it’s also easier to immigrate to another country if you studied a STEM subject at degree level and are looking for work in that field.
What are STEM Subjects?
As mentioned, STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but a far wider range of academic disciplines fall under this description. Here’s a list of some of the other STEM courses you could study:
• Aerospace engineering
• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemical engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil engineering
• Computer science
• Electrical engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical engineering
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics
The full is list is far more exhaustive, but this gives you an idea of the range of subjects included under STEM.
In terms of career paths, some of these subjects will offer a quite straightforward progression to particular careers. Aerospace engineering, for example, is likely to lead into a graduate job working for one of the world’s major aircraft designers, such as Rolls Royce.
Not every STEM-related graduate job is this obvious though. For example, a STEM degree could lead to a career working on special effects in Hollywood, helping to design new sportswear, or revolutionizing the farming industry. This is in addition to roles in areas such as finance and accountancy, construction, telecoms, and the energy sector.
Women In STEM?
As well as encouraging more students to choose a STEM degree, universities, employers and governments have also introduced policies aimed at increasing the proportion of women choosing to study in these areas. STEM subjects, historically, have been very male-dominated, with young girls often discouraged from pursuing such a technical career path. While 12% of women in bachelor programs will graduate with a STEM degree each year, only 3% go on to work in the STEM field. This lack of gender balance has also led to a pay gap between men and women in STEM. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the gender pay gap in STEM fields in Australia was 30.1% in 2013.
To combat this, government and charitable initiatives have been launched to increase the number of young women studying STEM degrees and going on to work in STEM-related fields. Girls Who Code, Engineer Girl, Kode With Klossy and many other organizations have been established to encourage female participation in STEM subjects, with internships and other work placements often made available specifically for young women.
Top Ten Benefits Of STEM
There are many benefits of enrolling in STEM courses; here are the top ten benefits of pursuing STEM Education.
• Improvisation of Creativity
• Increases Team Collaboration
• Develop Communication Skills
• Empowers Critical Thinking Skills
• Boosts Curiosity
• Improves Cognitive Skills
• Introduces STEM Careers at Early Stages
• Teaches You to Take an Initiative
• Enhances Media Literacy
• Boosts Socio-Emotional Learning
Improvisation Of Creativity
We have often heard the phrase ‘thinking out of the box.’ Well, this is directly proportional to the benefits of STEM education. Students enrolled on STEM courses are actively encouraged to come up with new ideas and to develop an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
Increases Team Collaboration
Often, in this scenario, teams are required to solve and compete with multifaceted problems in this real workspace. STEM education encourages collaboration and teamwork in its curriculum, so students know the importance of communication and leadership to accomplish goals.
Develop Communication Skills
The benefits of STEM education to our overall development is often ignored. For example, One of the most important skills learnt during life time is communication. This is denoted by the ability to discuss and convey complex concepts with other people while learning from this experience. Group activities during STEM courses promote these social skills, including active listening, open listening, and open-mindedness.
Empower Critical Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking Skills to Master for Students
Critical thinking skills are essential for growth in the modern working environment
The materials offered in STEM courses are focused on engaging students in the process of critical analysis. Critical thinking is a process of applying, conceptualising, and analysing through observing, reasoning and communication. These students are further encouraged to answer and solve problems that are not only based on memorisation but also on actively engaging to understand and solve by applying logical reasoning. This situation introduces them to the work environment, thus preparing them for their future.
Boosts Curiosity
One of the benefits of STEM education is that it is known across the globe for empowering kids to question themselves, why, and how, thus boosting their curiosity. These students then develop imaginative solutions to problems by exploring through imagination.
Improves Cognitive Skills
STEM courses are also known for improving cognitive skills; these are brain-based skills known for enhancing various things such as thinking, learning and reading. Like exercising, muscles are strengthened, and by enrolling in STEM courses, students are strengthened through training. Students can develop cognitive abilities in due course, and it also helps them improvise their speed and the quality of solving problems.
Introduces STEM Careers At Early Ages
As per studies, STEM courses are linked with most careers, and most of the careers have STEM components. Thus when these STEM courses are introduced to children at an early age, they are introduced to the world of opportunities where there are high chances of succeeding in life while nurturing important skills. It seems like there is more to the benefits of STEM education, doesn’t it?
Teaches You to Take An Initiative
Learning is a process involving an activity that is much more than just a fun activity. STEM enables students to tackle problems confidently with the help of skills and gives them a positive feeling about self-confidence and learning. Further, students can also defuse negative aspects that are helpful for their growth of students and dealing with new challenges.
Enhances Media Literacy
Unlike other syllabi and courses, STEM courses offer students the to learn with research and inquiry. These two activities require students to actively listen by activating their drive of questions and seeking valuable answers by reading and researching.
Boosts Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL)
The benefits of STEM education are not just limited to knowledge and career. One major reason for the popularity of STEM course is that it helps boost social-emotional abilities, which are responsible for bringing happiness and success ahead in life.