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Why STEM?

Why STEM?

four young children with teacher in a greenhouse with microscope and beaker examining a plant

The 3P Approach

Research shows that integrated learning in STEM fields fosters important social, learning and employment skills. Learners who participate in 3P (problem-, place and project-based) learning demonstrate an improvement in their overall school experience, including improved test scores and increased graduation rates.

two young children in classroom smiling in surprise as beaker on table bubbles over with blue substance

A Pathway to Prosperity and Innovation

STEM education equips students with the types of skills that are valuable no matter what their career path looks like, laying the foundation for a more prosperous Michigan.

Michigan’s STEM workforce includes skilled trades such as high-tech manufacturing and construction, in addition to more well-known careers in technology, health care and engineering.

  • STEM careers have median incomes more than double of non-STEM occupations.
  • STEM experiences prepare learners for the high-wage, high-demand jobs of the future.
  • Demand for workers in STEM is expected to grow at nearly twice the rate of all other jobs.
  • Long-term employment projections show that Michigan will see over 16,000 job openings in STEM annually over the next few years.

190,000

STEM experiences created for Michigan learners

4000

Professional learning opportunities for teachers

3.05M

Grant funds distributed

 

Using Data to Drive Access

Surveying Adult Attitudes Toward STEM in Michigan

A survey commissioned by the MiSTEM Advisory Council shows a gap between the need for STEM education and the resources available to learners across Michigan. The Statewide MiSTEM Network is focused on increasing equitable access to 3P STEM learning in locations with demonstrated inequities through grants.

"Adult Attitudes Toward STEM in Michigan": Key Findings From a Survey Commissioned by the MiSTEM Advisory Council

76%

of adults agree that STEM education is the best pathway to high-paying jobs for young Michiganders.

36%

report that their children do not participate in any STEM learning.
 

Households earning under $35,000 per year were the most likely to indicate that their children do not participate in any STEM learning.

Further Findings From the Survey:

Businesses and schools must work together to ensure schools are teaching skills needed for the workforce (92%).

The best way to learn STEM is through hands-on activities (88%).

STEM skills are necessary to ensure learners succeed as careers shift in the future (87%).

Learners with STEM skills are critical to keeping the Michigan economy competitive (86%).

Regional Networks

Contact STEM leaders in your area.

STEM Toolbox

Bring STEM learning to life across Michigan!

Grants

Apply for funding to bring 3P (problem-, project-, and place-based) learning to your community.