On a conference call last week, one of the women on the other end of the line said that she believes promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is about making a better world.
I couldn't agree more. That statement gets to the very core of why I founded the Engineering Education Service Center and also fuels my never-ending quest to find more ways to reach students.
In the section, "Generation Y - The Millennial Generation", from Generational Learning Styles by Julie Coates, she states that Generation Y's preferred learning environment combines teamwork and technology. She goes on to say that this generation is made up of "confident, optimistic young people that feel valued and wanted". They are the most diverse generation in history, both ethnically and socially, and they have closer relationships with their parents.
To me, this was music to my ears because it also means that there has never been a better time in the history of this country to promote engineering.
These students will thrive in hands-on and project based learning environments. They will appreciate having projects to take home to show their parents and also enjoy doing projects that promote social consciousness. We have all heard that a great way to promote engineering to girls is to make them see how they can make a difference in the world. According to the author, the socially conscious approach also works with boys - it just may take the boys longer to see the value.
If we, as educators, mentors, friends, parents and advocates want to make a better world by promoting STEM education, the time is now.
