STEM For The Win!

STEM For The Win! Hero Image

Team members: Sharon Beckett, Shawn Bell, Keisha Bentley, Jay Boyd, Bryant Davis, Stephen Love, Beth McMillan, Amanda Taylor, Scott Weiskittel

In 2021, full-time, year-round workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations had median earnings of about $19,100 per year more than those in non-STEM occupations. STEM middle-skill workers in the skilled technical workforce (STW) had median earnings of about $10,000 more than non-STEM workers without a bachelor’s degree or higher.

As such, the demand for STEM careers continues to increase in the United States, with STEM careers making up 24% of the workforce in 2021. In Upstate South Carolina, this trend is exacerbated by the region’s stark population increase and reputation for excellence in key sectors such as aerospace, automotive, food manufacturing, life sciences, engineered materials, and innovation.

However, in 2021, the percentage of Black or African American workers in STEM occupations (8%) was lower than their percentage of the total workforce (11%). The rate of STEM workers who were Hispanic workers was 15%, compared with 18% of all workers.

STEM For The Win! provides exposure to STEM by connecting underserved high school students to a local college or university.

Project Mission: Creating experiences in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) for underserved students.

Project Objectives:

  • Provide exposure to opportunities in STEM to underserved 9th and 10th grade students
  • Connect students to a local college or university with strong STEM programs
  • Strengthen connections between school districts and universities to support underserved students

Additional Benefits:

  • Students from separate high schools engage with each other
  • Promotes post-secondary education dialogue between students, faculty, and parents

Meet other fellows from this class.