While there are a number of skills that young people may need as they become adults and move into the workforce, the vast majority center around a few prominent skill areas. This is much of the foundation of STEM school programs, which focus around science, technology, engineering and math skills that are found in a huge percentage of occupations today, particularly the most lucrative ones.
At Beehive Science & Technology Academy, we’re happy to offer numerous STEM charter school programs for students throughout Utah, including career and technical education programs that help set students up for a lifetime of success. For parents who are looking to maximize their child’s educational experience and future potential, why do STEM programs hold such value? Here are several reasons across this two-part blog series.
Promotes Independent Thinking
While STEM programs are indeed focused around many of the same foundational skills, their approach is one of active learning that encourages students to employ their own critical thinking skills. This is a key component of career readiness, as employers today are looking for new hires who can think on their feet and problem-solve independently. In fact, according to an article in Forbes, up to 85% of STEM jobs currently available require critical thinking skills, with the top companies doing “big data” currently focused on collecting and analyzing as much information as possible.
By encouraging young people to think critically about the world around them, we are also setting them up for success in the workforce and throughout their lives. For instance, students may benefit from these critical thinking skills as they complete assignments and analyze text, or develop their own innovative projects in other class settings.
Increases Creativity
Down similar lines, by engaging kids as young as eight and nine years old in STEM projects, we are also helping to strengthen their creativity. After all, anyone can follow directions, but it takes a creative mind to put together an interactive game or design the next best invention.
In fact, some of the world’s most prominent companies today were founded by students whose curiosity and imagination led them to create something amazing. This same creativity is woven into all of our STEM school programs at Beehive Science & Technology Academy, with students working independently to develop their own ideas and projects.
This is in contrast to some other programs, which are so heavily test-based that students are often discouraged from engaging in creative thinking. In STEM, there is a strong focus on having students explore the world around them and actively pursue answers to the questions that they may have.
In part two of this blog series, we’ll explore a few more benefits of STEM schools and programs. In the meantime, if you’re interested in enrolling your child at Beehive Science & Technology Academy and growing their creative potential today, contact us for more information about our innovative offerings!
