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Recently, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Maine’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employment grew 3.4 percent between 2017 and 2021, and that 2021 growth was $6.5 billion generated state and local tax revenue.
This is great momentum and proof that more needs to be done to promote STEM careers in all regions of our country. STEM careers take many forms, beginning with positions such as computer science technicians and engineers and progressing down the career ladder to scientists, laboratory technicians, and data analysts in fields as diverse as biology and finance. These are exciting, challenging and rewarding careers. We need more of them in Maine.
Planting interest in these careers, and sparking the aspirations of young Mainers to pursue these high-paying STEM careers without having to leave the state, should begin early with our students and be sustained throughout their middle school and high school years.
Two initiatives are pending before the Maine legislature seeking modest investments to help students learn more about future STEM careers. First is a proposal to support a nationwide experimental program in STEM. The second is a bill to support a mobile STEM lab for middle schools in our more rural and often underserved communities. Policymakers should support this effort and unlock great potential for more Maine students to pursue STEM degrees and careers, which in turn will help Maine create the 21st Century economy we all aspire to.
Angela Ochslie
program director
Project > Login
educate Maine
Old Town
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