“We need an exemplary investment in education and human capital in New Mexico. Together, we can build and invest in every citizen in the state through collaborative efforts just like we are seeing here with Innovate-Educate New Mexico.”
Why Industry?
New Mexican companies must increase the pipeline of STEM-literate workers to remain globally competitive.
The nature of today’s workforce and the needs of our industries have changed and require an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles, a working knowledge of computer hardware and software, and the problem-solving skills developed by courses in STEM.
The U.S. Department of Labor says the Top 10 in-demand jobs today didn’t exist in 2004, and 16 of the 30 fastest-growing occupations projected by 2016 will require substantial math or science skills. But, STEM is not just for engineers and scientists. It’s for everyone – from the mechanic to the farmer to the entrepreneur. And, it’s not just jobs – it’s all around us in New Mexico.
STEM skills are transferable and needed in every sector. How does a mechanic effectively repair a modern car without knowing how to use a computer? How does a farmer accurately measure crops or operate a Combine without basic math skills? How can a teacher effectively teach these skills to students if they haven’t properly learned the subject matter themselves?
STEM graduates are problem solvers, innovators, inventors, and logical thinkers. They are able to immediately take advantage of opportunities through post-secondary institutions and businesses. They also have the ability to enter a college-level STEM course without the need for remediation. And, while maintaining our nation’s scientific and technological leadership is essential to our economic growth, national security and productive future, we are facing a critical talent gap in these areas.
To maintain our country’s competitiveness, the public and private sectors must work together to cultivate the best and brightest STEM workers to create tomorrow’s innovations here in America. By using unique resources in technological innovation from our national parent organization (Innovate-Educate), our efforts and the efforts of our industry partners continue to help increase America’s domestic pipeline of high-skilled workers.
But, there is still much work to do.