We hear a lot about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to our global economy. We are told that STEM is where the jobs are now and where job growth will be in the future. Chmura Economics & Analytics estimates STEM jobs to grow 18% in Virginia by 2024—nearly double the growth for non-STEM fields. This is why it is important to inspire middle and high school students to pursue Hot STEM careers. Whether it's the next cure for cancer, better food supplies or the next generation of communication - all of the solutions to the world's problems will involve STEM. Among the fastest growing industries in the U. S., STEM jobs are vital to our economy and to our global competitiveness.
The federal government, our educational systems, and business and industry leaders are investing a great deal of time and money trying to find solutions to this problem. Parents want to help their children discover their interests and strengths so they can work toward careers that offer opportunities. How can we improve our children's education to prepare them for the future workforce? What jobs are expanding in Virginia and what training is needed for students to be successful? What will the Hot STEM Jobs of the future be in Virginia?
Science Matters created “Hot Shots & Hot Jobs” to explore these questions and feature videos of young professionals as role models in innovative STEM jobs in Virginia. The videos are embedded in an article explaining the skills and training needed and current job opportunities in Virginia. We hope parents, teachers and career counselors will use this material to inspire middle school and high school students to pursue Hot STEM careers.
The Hot STEM Industries in Virginia that we are exploring include:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Advanced Manufacturing's High Tech Career Paths
- Aviation, Drones and Technology: Pilots Enjoy Breathtaking Views and Plentiful Job Options and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Go Soaring for a Bird's Eye View
- Computers and Technology: Software Engineers Create Solutions Through Code; Cyber Security Analysts Fight Crime; Techsters: Girls Learn to Code; All Girls Robotics Team Builds Robot to Travel the World
- Energy: Powering Up with Renewable Energy; Green Jobs and Solar Cars
- Engineering: VCU Senior Design Expo 2015; Biomechanical Engineering a Nano-tattoo
- Finance and Monetary Authorities: Software Engineers Create Solutions Through Code
- Health Care and BioScience: Bioscience and Drug Discovery with “Organs on a Bench”; Investigate Illness as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Health Research & Development/Consumer Products: Making our Daily Vitamins Effective and Tasty!
- Nanotechnology: Hot Jobs in Nanotechnology
- Urban Design and Architecture: Urban Design and Neighborhoods of the Future
The project is grounded in extensive research conducted by numerous organizations including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Brookings Institute, Chmura Economics & Analyticsand reports by Bridging RVA a regional partnership connecting education to college and career readiness strategies. All of the data was studied through the lens of the unique strengths and needs of Central Virginia.