Preparing Future Generations for STEM-Related Fields

The chapter assisted in the breakout panel sessions at the Cyber Education, Research, and Training Symposium (CERTS) 2020. The United States is falling behind in the race for STEM-related skills to compete in the future. The attendees discussed why the United States is falling behind near-peer competitors and others. The discussion included how skills, knowledge and behavior develop and shape the future of our young men and women. Education teaches young men and women how to think, not what to think. So what tools do we use to coach our youth to move into STEM-related skills? Kindergarten is the starting point, followed by elementary and secondary school. Each individual develops a talent, introductory skills, knowledge and behavior as they grow. Parents, teachers and advisors are key components for young peoples' choices. Are we using the right approach to coach toward a STEM-related career, or is something missing? What are the right curriculums-starting with the building blocks in elementary; then, complementing that knowledge with information presented in middle school; and finally, preparing them for high school challenges? From start to finish throughout K-12, the message has to be seamless.

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