Career pathways for STEM technicians

Abstract

Science and engineering technicians are needed in emerging technologies by U.S. employers. These technicians are being produced by U.S. community and technical colleges using NSF/ATE-developed curricula and teaching strategies. However, enrollment is low and attrition is high, because there is not an adequate "high school pipeline" to interest and prepare young people to select and be successful in educational programs for these rewarding careers. STEM programs, developed and offered at high schools throughout the country can provide this "pipeline" by recruiting and educating applied learners to graduate and enroll in technology programs at nearby colleges. However, carefully designed (secondary/postsecondary) Career Pathways must be developed and adopted for STEM technologies. NSF/ATE models have been created and are in use. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2014.