Will BDPA Inspire the Next Generation of STEM Professionals?

We have heard the call by President Barack Obama to improve STEM education so that America can 'win the future'. Many of local BDPA chapters have developed strong Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) programs to support the K-12 students in our communities. And interestingly, although many parents (50%) would like to see their children pursue a STEM career, only 24% are extremely willing to spend extra money helping their children be successful in their math and science classes.

The United States will have more than 1.2 million job openings in STEM-related fields by 2018, and there will be a significant shortage of qualified college graduates to fill them. A Microsoft STEM Survey reveals the motivation for students who select a STEM path to secure their own futures.

• More than half (57%) of STEM college students said that before going to college, a teacher or class sparked their interested in STEM; especially true of female students (68%)
• Nearly four in five STEM college students said they decided to study STEM in high school or earlier (78%)
• 68% said they want a good salary
• 66% said it’s the job potential
• 68% said they find their degree program subjects intellectually stimulating and challenging

What do you think? Is BDPA up to this new challenge? Are *YOU* willing to step forward and make a difference?