(Image courtesy of AEOP.)
How do we get more students into STEM education to fill the growing STEM workforce need in the U.S.? Getting them interested in the science and engineering possibilities available in the military is one place to start.
One of the many programs working to improve STEM education opportunities is the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) promotes STEM learning in students of all grade levels and backgrounds, through enrichment programs, competitions and apprenticeships.
AEOP also teams up with various government and defence agencies, universities, and not-for-profit partners to provide education options for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and builds their interest in STEM fields through interaction and competition.
AEOP is working to improve diversity in STEM fields by offering a range of programs and opportunities for students of all ages, representing all levels of proficiency, economic and social backgrounds. Participating students are able to engage in real-world Department of Defense science and engineering projects, with mentors from their disciplines acting as guides to learning.
The hands-on approach to learning offered by AEOP also helps students build the skills they will need to pursue a STEM education, and can lead to a career in a STEM field.
A recent survey completed with assistance from Purdue University’s College of Education, highlighted the benefits of the program.
Some interesting points from the 2015 study include:
- Participation by over 47,000 individuals, with 75 percent who participated in the UNITE pre-collegiate summer program reporting gains in their skills. This was particularly true for students from low-income communities.
- Higher interest in students pursuing STEM education beyond a Bachelor’s degree, and a 10 percent increase in pursuit of a Ph.D in a related field.
- AEOP, in cooperation with Battelle, also awarded grants to eight organizations and technical associations working to expand student participation in STEM learning, particularly to underserved students.
"When we hear directly from students that these experiences improved their confidence and furthered their passion for STEM, we know we've done our job," says Jeffrey Singleton, director of basic research, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
"It's all about creating a cohesive portfolio of programs that stimulate and encourage young people in their pursuit of STEM education and careers. We continue to work hard to offer these programs, which span from elementary grades through college, to more students," Singleton added.
With STEM jobs growing faster than any other field, and the need for higher interest in engineering and mathematics, the more opportunities students can access, the better.
There are already several programs currently encouraging students into STEM, typically using existing school and business infrastructure, and more agencies are realizing the importance of assisting those students who may not have opportunities otherwise.
By offering students great engineering and education opportunities, programs like the Army Education Outreach Program and other U.S. Government programs aim to ensure a bright technological future for these students.