“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” (National Science Foundation)

STEM is important because it shapes our everyday experiences. Science is our natural world, climate, and diversity of animals, plants and food, the fuel that heats our homes and powers transportation. In today’s world, technology means computers and smartphones, but it also develops state-of-the-art equipment for businesses and industries working with cutting-edge technologies. Engineering designs buildings, roads, and bridges, and contributes to improvements to our lives, homes and workplaces. We use mathematics at the stores, banks, and in dealing with the personal and family finances.

We need STEM because it helps tackle challenges of transportation, global warming, natural and technological disasters, diseases, and interdependent world economy and find solutions for other complex problems of today’s world and its future.  

There is a whole range of jobs requiring STEM skills, such as software and apps developers, market analysts, programmers, engineers, economists, statisticians, chemists, nutritionists, health and environment related occupations, agriculture and food specialists, architects, anthropologists, historians, mathematicians, naturalists, sociologists, meteorologists, designers, animators, veterinarians, actuaries, physicists, sales representatives and many more.  

Many employers want employees who are able to use some math, science, or technology knowledge on the job. These skills include: research a topic and draw conclusions, clearly explain results using facts, keep tracks of and analyze lots of different information, record data or write instructions, develop plans and timelines, recognize cause and effect, troubleshoot the source of a problem and solve it, and many other STEM related skills.

And as technologies are changing the job market significantly by creating new professions and requiring new skills, the equal mix of “soft” and STEM skills grow in importance for a variety of workers (not just for mathematicians, engineers and scientists) and  jobs we haven’t even conceived of yet.  

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics—STEM, and therefore, STEM education - are vital to our future so what skills do students need today to become more desirable job candidates and succeed in the future? Naturally, there is a diverse range of skills, including calculations and measurements, as well as technology capabilities, but you might be surprised by some of the key abilities the leaders in STEM education regard as more critical than the rest in order to succeed in future professional fields. Here are some examples of modern skills that really matter:

Statistics means understanding probability and error rates, concepts that cut across almost any type of problem you want to solve.
Problem-Solving is the way to think about problems and come up with solutions related to every aspect of our daily lives.  
Creativity is the ability to look at the problem from a different perspective and think outsides of the box to get varying ideas to try to figure things out.
Argumentation involves analytical and critical-thinking skills to determine data and use evidence to support a claim.
Intellectual Curiosity – the need to ask the questions that help build connections, be innovators, learn from failures and keep moving on.
Data-Driven Decision-Making is making informed decisions, not just based on what you think or feel, but on scientific data that supports the best solution.
Flexibility is a broad set of skills required to adapt quickly to new demands and new situations.

This means young people entering the world of work must be able to develop a whole new set of skills to be viable at the job market. They need STEM knowledge and skills and combine it with the competencies related to statistics, manipulating data, problem-solving and argumentation and decision-making. They need to be able to think in a totally new ways, communicate clearly, see new opportunities, adapt to new situations and successfully collaborate.

Whether you are planning to go on to a career in STEM or not you may benefit from early awareness about STEM and “soft” skills important for your future and variety of career opportunities that are opened up through their study and application. The US – Russia STEM Project will help you gain this experience through:

  • Better understanding of how STEM drive technological progress and help building sustainable businesses;
  • Giving you and your fellow students a real-life challenge to tackle using creativity and drawing on different areas of knowledge and skills;
  • Linking you with students from another country to develop new skills and ability to work in diverse international teams through cross-border peer-to-peer educational activities and educational trip;
  • Enabling you to match your interests and skills with diverse tasks related to different stages of running joint projects using modern technology collaborative tools;
  • Exploring “global” skills, needed to create new networks in the digital society and match these skills with diverse fields and occupations;
  • Connecting you directly with executives from leading companies in STEM sectors to expose you to a range of rewarding careers as well as economic and social opportunities in STEM fields globally, nationally and locally.

Learning outcomes:
First and foremost your participation in the project will be a learning experience.
You will develop a set of STEM and soft skills related to work-readiness and international and cultural understanding, the ability to work in diverse teams and to build networks and relationships. You will practice cross-border communication and collaboration.
You will meet and interact virtually and face-to-face with experienced industry leaders and gain insight into various careers and learn how to compete and be successful in professional careers associated with STEM and innovations, whether working for a global company or starting a small business.
As a participant of the US-Russia STEM project you will start your own international partnerships, and begin building your own global networks while you are still at school.