You’ve all probably played ‘2 Truths and Lie’ before, yeah? We know that there are all kinds of myths around the STEM world, and we teamed up with Alexis Williams to spread the word about common misconceptions. She’s an activist, coder, and all around trailblazer in the STEM field, so we asked her to play 2 Truths and a Lie on UCLA’s campus. Now we want to put your wits to the test!
As you start thinking more about higher education or opportunities post-graduation, STEM could be a great option. Can you guess which of these “truths” is the lie, when it comes to STEM preparedness and careers?
- Only 20% of high school graduates are prepared for college-level coursework in STEM.
- You need a 4-year university degree to pursue a STEM career.
- A majority of high school students choose a STEM path.
So, which one is the lie? Wait for it… Number 2!
STEM cuties don’t gatekeep, so we’re letting you know that you DON’T need a 4-year degree to pursue a career in STEM. From trade professions to design careers, there are plenty of ways to get into STEM without a degree.
That means numbers 1 and 3 are truths. Even though most high school students DO choose a STEM path, only 20% of graduates are prepared for college-level coursework. This gap is no joke, so it’s crucial we do something about it.
Advocate for better STEM resources by writing to your school administrators. Then, invite five friends to make their voices heard, too! The best part? You’ll be entered to earn a $2k scholarship when you do. ;)
Let’s Do This! DoSomething |
|
|
Some of our members are already killin’ the game when it comes to STEM advocacy. These STEM crusaders are letting their school administrators know that equitable STEM education and offerings are important to them:
DoSomething member Gen M., 18 said “I believe that STEM education is incredibly important for advancing our society and increasing innovation. We need STEM majors to help better our world and to do the hard jobs that exist. There is so much that they have to know, having the proper foundation is essential. High school should be able to help with this and play an important role, not just be a stepping stone.”
“Having better STEM education at my school is important to me because we need more diversity in STEM fields,” said DoSomething member Paige D., 17. “It is a predominantly white male-occupied field and we need diversity because it will increase different types of thinkers, leading to new growth. I also believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities for their future so they can do what they really want with their lives.”
“As a young woman who has been focused on STEM all of my high school career, I want to expand STEM opportunities for all students. STEM careers are not only a stable field, which will consistently put food on the table, but STEM careers influence our world. The innovative technology being produced will save lives. I show my support for STEM by helping plan and volunteering at my school's "Girls in STEM Day”. My computer science club created this event last year, and now we've had two years of teaching young, junior high girls about STEM,” said DoSomething member Mac W., 17.
|
Making history… is Council Delegate Crystalyne Curley, who was just sworn in as the first female Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council. This is a monumental win for women indigenous leaders in the U.S. and beyond!
STEM in the news… Researchers have just developed a new material that mimics how chameleons regulate their temperature.. the catch? They want to use it to heat and cool homes! This could mean a drastic decrease in the amount of energy required to do so.
ICYMI… The intersection of sports and social justice might be…quidditch. Yep! The mystical game from Harry Potter–and teams around the US are championing causes like Black Lives Matter and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
OMG…This year’s Grammys made history when Lizzo won Record of the Year, making her the first Black woman to win since Whitney Houston earned the award with her song, ‘I Will Always Love You.’ ALSO, Beyonce became the artist with the most Grammy wins, which is pretty sweet too.
|
|
|
CollegeXpress
February is the perfect time to thank your school counselor for alllll the help they’ve been giving you with preparing for your post-school dreams! Our friends at CollegXpress are giving away a $1,500 scholarship ($1,000 for you, $500 for your counselor), and all you have to do is answer one simple question. Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered: How has your school counselor helped you this academic year? |
|
|
Finding this newsletter useful? Forward today's edition to a friend and encourage them to subscribe. |
|
|
|
