The world keeps changing in response to time, new knowledge, and technological advancements. The STEM approach to education is largely considered the most appropriate strategy to meet the demands of the changing world. STEM education includes the appropriate teaching methods that focus on hands-on learning with real-world applications. It helps to develop a cadre of workforce with varied skill sets, ingenuity, and problem-solving abilities.

STEM education fosters creativity and divergent thinking. Through STEM education, young people with open minds can explore, look for patterns, find connections and evaluate information. With a focus on practice and innovation, STEM education leads to the generation of new ideas and technology needed for socio-economic growth.

Globally, there is a high demand for STEM skills to facilitate sustainable development. As noted by a UN report, sub-Saharan Africa alone will need around 2.5 million engineers to meet its sustainable development goal (SDG) of improving access to clean water and sanitation. STEM subjects are focused on providing sustainable solutions to address some concerns society faces today. For instance, the issue of careless exhaustion of natural resources affects the health and well-being of all living organisms on the planet. However, economic and social progress is tightly connected to the environment.  STEM education can be used to reorient people on alternative ways to preserve the environment whiles working in a competitive world.  

STEM education also raises awareness of important social issues. It enhances people’s understanding of concepts and encourages knowledge application. Through experimentation, students are free to exercise what they learn and embrace mistakes in a risk-free environment. STEM opportunities, therefore, promote a knowledge-based economy and enhanced social literacy.

Without a doubt, STEM education is central to development in all forms. Governments, corporate societies, and individuals are challenged to take advantage of the phenomenal benefits of STEM education and encourage young minds to pursue STEM education and its related careers.

REFERENCE

Information from https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/2157/why-is-stem-important-the-impact-of-stem-education-on-society, https://www.invent.org/blog/trends-stem/value-stem-education#:~:text=STEM%2Dbased%20education%20teaches%20children,and%2021st%2Dcentury%20skills, https://www.utep.edu/extendeduniversity/utepconnect/blog/december-2021/what-is-stem-education-and-why-is-it-important.html was used in this story.