CTE and STEM Education: Preparing Students to be Future Ready
There’s a great need and opportunity in Oregon’s economy for learners who have the skills acquired from studies in Career Technical Education (CTE) and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). More than 50,000 rewarding jobs are expected to come open yearly in this decade in one or more of these disciplines. Just as importantly, students need such studies to discover their talents and interests, become creative, life-long learners, and acquire skills and mindsets useful in life as well as work—including curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving, and adaptability.
Yet, there’s a growing gap between these needs and the skills and habits of mind students have acquired as they emerge from our education system. OBC has long worked to close this gap, advocating for CTE and STEM education policies and investments that strengthen learning and open new pathways for students. Since 2012, our advocacy has supported creation of the STEM Investment Council to guide a long-term strategy; development of 13 regional hubs to facilitate local collaboration among schools, industries, and nonprofits; sustained CTE and STEM funding; and creation of the Oregon STEM Education Plan.
We accomplished much of this work in collaboration with the Oregon CTE-STEM Employer Coalition, which we formed in 2012 with employers across Oregon. Learn more about Oregon’s vision for STEM education here.
- Why CTE and STEM Are Vital
They Close the Talent Gap
- STEM and CTE prepare learners to access opportunities in high-wage, high-demand careers and contribute to the state’s economy.
- Gaps in STEM-CTE participation and outcomes remain too wide for women, students of color, and low-income Oregonians.
- By 2029, Oregon will have nearly 52,000 new job openings per year in STEM-related fields.
- Student outcomes in math remain below the national average (NAEP).
- Student time on science in elementary schools remains among the lowest in the nation.
They Prepare Future-Ready Learners
- They nurture creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, problem solving, teamwork, and habits of mind that are essential for success.
- They prepare learners with core academic knowledge.
- They engage and motivate learners.
- They help them develop their talents and envision a pathway to reach their aspirations.
- Students who take these courses have higher graduation rates.
- STEM and CTE experiences are an important part of a well-rounded education that closes opportunity gaps.
The CTE-STEM Coalition is open to all businesses and business organizations. To join us, see this short online signup form. To learn more about the Coalition contact Kyle Ritchey-Noll at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).