The Benefits of STEM

Waverly S.
9 hours ago
2 min read

Olin, North Carolina

A scientist in a white coat works in a lab with blue cabinets, surrounded by beakers, flasks, and lab equipment. Bright and organized space. — Laboratory research is one example of a practical use of STEM knowledge. (credit to Murat Kizaibet CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en)

Have you ever wondered about the benefits of participating in STEM programs? The term “STEM” stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, and experts estimate that there were over ten million STEM jobs in the United States alone in 2023, meaning that pursuing a STEM career could open up many opportunities. There are a wide variety of careers that fall under the STEM label, from programmers and doctors to astronauts and actuaries. Additionally, the average salaries for STEM careers have historically been higher than the average salaries for non-STEM careers.

Beyond career prospects, there are still benefits to a STEM education even if one is not interested in a STEM career! STEM activities develop skills that are useful throughout fields--and throughout life!

Basketball game with Cal and WSU players in action. Cal player in white leaps to block a pass. Crowd in background. Text: "Muscle Milk." — Skills like teamwork can be useful in many situations outside of STEM. (credit to Ron Sellers CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en)

STEM education typically includes hands-on learning, problem-solving, and collaborating with others, which all help students adapt to real-world situations. STEM education can help students learn critical thinking, analytical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and adaptability, all of which have many applications for any task that will require a person to overcome a challenge or interact with others.

Classroom with students sitting at desks, four students presenting at the front. Chalkboard with writing, bright posters, and a projector are visible. — Involvement in STEM often can start within one's own classroom.

If you are interested in getting engaged with science, technology, engineering, and math, there are many different options to consider!

Many schools have STEM-related

extracurriculars, like robotics clubs, science fairs, or mathlete teams. Outside of schools, students can look to their local community for potential internships or university opportunities. There are also online opportunities allowing students to collaborate with fellow learners from around the world, like the STEM·E Youth Career Development Program! Of course, a student might also choose to take additional STEM classes within school, like STEM electives and AP courses. It can be beneficial to contact a school counselor to learn more about STEM opportunities in your school and community!

Works Cited

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10 Under-Recognized Benefits of STEM Education. (n.d.). In Yeti Academy STEM. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.yetiacademy.com/under-recognized-benefits-stem-education

Choi, M. (2024). 10 Surprising Benefits of STEM Education. In CodeWizardsHQ. https://www.codewizardshq.com/10-surprising-benefits-of-stem-education

Employment in STEM occupations. (n.d.). In Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/stem-employment.htm

Laquea, K. (2024). What Is STEM Education? In American College of Education. https://ace.edu/blog/what-is-stem-education

STEM Center: Examples of STEM & STEM~Related Careers. (n.d.). In www.jmu.edu. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.jmu.edu/stemcenter/careers/career-list.shtml

Watson, A. (n.d.). Employment and wages for alternate definitions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations. In Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-14/stem-alternate-definitions.htm

What career is right for me? (n.d.). In ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.asvabprogram.com/media-center-article/Student/stem-uncovering-new-careers

What Does STEM Stand for? (2025). In Study in the States. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2011/09/what-does-stem-stand

Zoloth, S. (2025). What Is STEM Education? Benefits and Career Opportunities. In National Society of High School Scholars. https://www.nshss.org/resources/blog/blog-posts/what-is-stem-education