The Future is Now: Two Groups Expand Access to STEM

Jobs in science, technology, engineering, math and manufacturing (STEM, sometimes called STEAM or STEM+Arts, depending on the organization) continue to rise across the county, including here in the Portland metro. However, a recent report by the Committee on STEM Education of the National Science and Technology Council found only 20% of high school graduates are prepared to take on STEM majors in college. The rigors of the coursework can feel especially intimidating or sometimes unrealistic to a student who has no background or support to pursue those fields.

But, when kids are given access to STEM-related activities where they already spend their time, like school and in their local communities, it can be a huge head start for them. Add on a STEM mentor introduced to them at a young age, and new doors to the future are opened. Local organizations iUrban Teen and Airway Science for Kids (ASK) are doing everything they can to get all students’ hands on the latest and greatest technology and tools for learning. They especially seek out teens from disadvantaged and systematically excluded backgrounds to give them a chance to compete in a highly sought-after and highly paid industry.

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