Building the STEM Pipeline Through a Comprehensive On-Line Resource
the problem:
There's a real shortage of students and professionals pursue STEM majors and careers--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. If our country is to remain a global leader, we need to ramp up our STEM talents by developing students and professionals in STEM fields. There are a number of ways to promote STEM talent such as programs, scholarships, and other resources. My plan of action will describe my contribution to this important endeavor.
vital stats:
people impacted:
1,000,000people involved:
2why it's important:
My short term objective is to build a solid academic foundation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and my long term objective is to be an aerospace engineer. While researching scholarships for academically talented, financially needy students, I realized that online resources are lacking in this area. Individual organizations such as government agencies, universities, etc. provide their own online resources for such information, but there is not an all-inclusive website that provides a practical information for students and professionals seeking to advance in STEM fields. Our student and professional communities need better online resources.
the plan of action:
There's definitely a need to increase the number of students and professionals pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) careers. Clearly, we need to advance our STEM knowledge for the US to remain competitive. I see a way to use technology to create a web site that is not only unique, but furthers this vital cause. Students at all levels, educators, funding organizations, and industry would use the site to attract and grow STEM talent which is critical to our nation's economy and competitiveness.
Currently, online resources don't support this endeavor. While numerous web sites provide diverse information about STEM topics, these sites merely list various information via links, but lack database search capabilities; I haven't discovered any sites dedicated to STEM advancement with search engine capability. People aspiring to a STEM career need an all-inclusive site with search capabilities-- not various sites sponsored by different professional organizations, universities and agencies which is the current state of affairs.
I envisioned this idea as I was searching the Internet for STEM scholarships, internships, and general STEM information. Currently, the information about scholarships, internships, fellowships and STEM jobs are scattered across many different web sites, and I was bouncing from site to site, finding redundant information; it was frustrating. I realized that we're not using technology to create a site that would be a valuable resource to someone like me. I'm certain many people would frequent such a site, and it would definitely benefit organizations as well. The irony is that STEM focuses on the advancement of technology, but we're not using technology to advance STEM.
Individual universities and organizations sponsor their own sites dedicated to STEM information, but none have search capabilities. For example, the site: http://www.mn-stem.com lists some STEM resources but lacks a search engine. I plugged "STEM" into the Google search engine and the site "STEM Education Coalition" came up, but it's defunct. I propose an all-inclusive STEM site that aggregates and integrates STEM-related information from other sites; one that also includes a search engine for individuals to pursue their specific goals. As an entrepreneur, I would use technology (database programming and web design) to create an online STEM-dedicated site that offers a search engine, integrates STEM opportunities and information, offers innovative tools like message/discussion boards, and networking opportunities. This STEM-focused, technologically advanced site would be an invaluable tool for learning about STEM opportunities such as scholarships, internships, professional associations, careers and information. Last summer I attended a NASA scholarship, having been very fortunate that my physics teacher had recommended me. Next summer I'm attending NASA internship that I discovered via networking, but not from searching online. Unfortunately, there's an overload of online information on different sites, but not one efficient site that has search capability. A STEM site with search capability would make more people aware of STEM opportunities and enhance STEM pursuits. There's definitely a vital deficit in this area, and I propose we use technology to further technology.
Even though I'm a high school senior, I've taken web design courses at the college level, so I would work with a professional web design firm to implement this project. We'd organize the site with links for scholarships, fellowships, internships, careers, and even provide message boards for people to share information.
how you can get involved:
I would need a budget to pay a web design firm, to advertise the site, and for administrative expenses. If it were to grow, I may need to pay a staff.
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Comments
Interesting idea: encouraging STEM growth via the internet. How would you relate the internet to real life, though, and who is your target audience, and how would they become motivated to be a part of STEM? It's an unfortunate but equally true fact that engineering isn't a 'popular' college major, because most students want to engross themselves in the liberal arts, politics, etc.
I think your idea has a good chance of intercorrelating politics with the engineering and technology fields - which is PRECISELY the sort of leadership this country needs right now. Pres. Obama said that the country needs more engineers...but he didn't really offer incentive. I'm down to help you out on this project if you give me more info. (assuming, also, that this isn't just some b.s. post that you're hoping will solely win you scholarship money; too many purposeless people like that here) :/
You asked about my target audience and other information. I'm happy to share more information once more is established.
Thanks for your comments and input. I'm genuinely interested in pursuing this much needed project which would benefit students as well as the professional community. However, I need to work with an established web design firm that's capable of handling a large-scale database site. I also need adequate funding for administrative expenses and at least one staff member to start. I appreciate your interest and would like to know about how you can contribute to this project. Could you tell me a bit about your background and resources?
Thanks so much!