STEM Approved Colleges

Leaders are made, they are not born.
They are made by hard effort,
Which is the price which all of us must pay
To achieve any goal that is worthwhile.
-Vince Lombardi

True words, and they reinforce what all of us in the U.S. believe: anyone can be anything they want to be. But there's a disturbing trend in education in our country, and it's time we did something about it.

We don't have enough educators who can teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The result is - or perhaps it is the reason why - we also do not have enough students who are STEM majors. Other countries have emphasized STEM education for many years, and their citizens are surpassing us in those areas that are vital for global strength and leadership.

STEM jobs increases by industryThe U.S. Department of Education says, "The United States has developed as a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers, and innovators. In a world that's becoming increasingly complex, where success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know, it's more important than ever . . . to be equipped with the types of skills that students learn by studying science, technology, engineering, and math - subjects collectively known as STEM.

President Obama established some incentives that may increase the number of teachers and students in those increasingly important areas. College and university top STEM majors develop students' proficiency in:

  • Solving tough problems
  • Gathering and evaluating evidence
  • Making sense of information
  • Making decisions

Top STEM Majors

In May 2013, the Committee on STEM initiated a five-year strategic plan. The plan eliminated some government programs, created new ones and merged others, all with a goal toward increasing the number of STEM teachers and students.

A few top STEM majors are:

  • Accounting
  • Database Programming
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Web Development

A degree in one of these fields could be the first step toward a career that can be interesting, fun, and financially rewarding!

Classrooms to Careers

In 2015, the organization STEM JobsSM identified and listed colleges and universities which offer classes and degree programs for students who want to become educators or work as professionals in STEM careers. For a school to make the list, four requirements must be met:

  1. They have programs and degree paths that can lead to high-paying, in-demand jobs.
    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers students information about what degrees or certifications are needed for a career, plus the average annual or hourly earnings you might expect to see. Your STEM Approved College should offer possible career paths you can follow with your degree. Courses and costs should be up-front information, with a completion time frame that is reasonable for your schedule and goals. There shouldn't be any restrictions about how quickly or how slowly you can take the classes you need, and your college or university credits should be transferable to other institutions of higher learning. BLS salary information for some top STEM careers includes:
    - Accounting
    - Database Programming
    - Electronics Engineering
    - Mechatronics
    - Web Development
  2. They have a Career Services program, with dedicated personnel that can work one-on-one with students in their job search
    Career Services professionals at colleges play an important role during your enrollment and training, but to qualify for STEM rating, they should also help you:
    - secure the externship you need
    - develop a job search strategy
    - provide you with career advice that can guide you to a terrific job
  3. They facilitate diversity, encouraging minorities and women to explore the STEM careers.
    A good school will have programs to empower minorities, women and our country's active military and veterans to explore the advantages of tech careers
  4. They recognize STEM students who show above-average initiative and achievement.
    Your learning institution promotes partnerships that can foster STEM literacy and connect you programs and incentives that reward initiative in learning.

Daniel Nichols, the president of STEM JobsSM says, "There is very little we can do that has a greater, practical impact on a person's life than to assist them in discovering their vocation, their higher purpose." Nichols began developing the business/product strategy for STEM Jobs in 2012, using the business models from GI Jobs®, Military Friendly®, Military Spouse® and Vetrepreneur® programs, all which promote businesses and schools that are career-oriented and actively assist veterans.

Seeking a Stem Approved College?

You can imagine how excited ECPI University was to learn that we're on the 2016 STEM Approved College list for colleges that encourage and assist students in seeking high-demand, high-growth occupations. Contact a career specialist today at ECPI University - it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Technology TODAY!

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