STEM is an acronym for the fields of study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The term is typically used in addressing issues surrounding federal sciences, education, workforce, national security, and immigration fields.

»        According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, in the next five years, STEM jobs are projected to grow twice as quickly as jobs in other fields. While all jobs are expected to grow by 10.4%, STEM jobs are expected to increase by 21.4%. Similarly, 80% of jobs in the next decade will require technical skills.

»         The US Department of Labor claims that out of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected to 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation. The U.S. will have over 1 million job openings in STEM-related fields by 2018; yet, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, only 16% of U.S. bachelor’s degrees will specialize in STEM. As a nation, we are not graduating nearly enough STEM majors to supply the demand.

»         To put these numbers into perspective, of the 3.8 million 9th graders in the US, only 233,000 end up choosing a STEM degree in college (National Center for Education Statistics). That means only six STEM graduates out of every 100 9th graders.  (The STEM Dilemma)


»         STEM jobs pay about $35,000 more than non-STEM jobs (according to 2009 statistics)
STEM jobs: $77,880
other jobs: $43,460

»         The top 10 bachelor-degree majors with the highest median earnings are all in STEM fields.

»         There are also more than 3 million unfilled STEM jobs in the USA.


“one of my favorite quotes is from carl Sagan, who said it’s suicidal to create a society that depends on science and technology in which no one knows anything about science and technology —and that’s the road that we are headed down. . . . you need to generate the scientists and engineers, starting in school—elementary school, middle school, you have to fund the research that those scientists go on to do—the fundamental research. you have to generate the engineers that can turn those scientific breakthroughs into products and services.”
—Sally Ride

Does your child dream to design or create the next airplane, ship, car, computer, or candy bar? Participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational programs can make their dreams a reality! Kadena Exchange is hosting a FREE Gakken Science Classroom demonstration promoting fun and curiosity while gaining scientific insight about AIR, ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, and FOOD.
Why STEM?
 4% of STEM–related professions create 96% of the jobs in America*
 Projected future job growth versus other career fields is 21% versus 10%**
 The average career wage is $77K versus $43K***
 America’s future is dependent on the increase in STEM-field leaders