Bridging the Exposure Gap: Inspiring Gen Z to Pursue a STEM Degree
For many kids the path to a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) can seem out of reach, especially those from communities that are historically underserved. Although 75% of Gen Z express an interest in STEM, only 29% consider a STEM career as their first choice.1 Because of this, STEM related fields are missing out on valuable talent!
This may be because they haven’t been exposed to the variety of careers that STEM includes and aren’t aware of the possibilities. This difference between interest and action is called the exposure gap, meaning kids aren’t getting enough hands-on experiences, resources or role models in STEM fields to inspire them to pursue these careers.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America provide hands-on experiences and opportunities that make STEM professions accessible and exciting for today’s youth. By partnering with organizations like RTX, Lenovo and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Clubs help inspire the next generation of tech innovators and problem-solvers, ensuring that every child has the chance to dream big and achieve their full potential in STEM.
Understanding the STEM Education Gap
Many kids are fascinated by STEM subjects, but they often don’t see these fields as real career options. Despite a strong interest in STEM careers among Gen Z, fewer than half have participated in applied STEM learning activities in the classroom.1 This lack of practical engagement may mean students aren’t receiving enough instruction on foundational STEM concepts critical for many STEM jobs – and which often spark that first interest in a career path. The exposure gap is especially wide for low-income, non-white and female students who often lack the support and resources to pursue STEM.
Imagine if every kid had the chance to turn their “what ifs” into “I did it!” moments. By providing access to quality STEM education and opportunities, Boys & Girls Clubs and our partners help spark a lifelong passion for STEM in every child.
Engaging Youth Through Real-World STEM Applications
Ready to see science come to life? Boys & Girls Clubs make STEM exciting and accessible for kids through showcasing how “everyday science” (physics, chemistry and more) has real-world impact and career potential.
For instance, the DIY STEM workshop provides hands-on activities where youth collaborate on experiments, test results and discuss the “why” of science, technology, engineering and math.The newly updated program, sponsored by RTX, allows Club kids to practice STEM skills in authentic ways that reflect how working scientists and engineers conduct experiments in the lab.
Esther Casas, RTX associate director of Supplier Quality, Collins Mission Systems said, “Seeing the excitement in the kids’ eyes when they engage in our STEM programs is incredibly rewarding. We’re not just teaching science or technology — we’re igniting passions and opening doors to future careers.” By investing in programs like these, RTX and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are helping to build the workforce of tomorrow.
Empowering Teens with Technology
Access to technology is a game-changer, especially as the digital divide impacts so many students. Approximately 22% of low-income households with children lack high-speed internet access,2 limiting their educational opportunities.
Boys & Girls Clubs are tackling this challenge with help from Lenovo Foundation, which provides tools and funding for STEM activities, ensuring all kids can engage with technology at the Club and develop critical skills, even if they don’t have access at home.
Lenovo has invested in a partnership to expand esports programs across Clubs, providing resources to recruit and retain more teen members through gaming. This initiative equips Clubs with the training, coaching, and tools needed to enhance their esports programs, giving teens a unique opportunity to explore STEM professions. “We’ve seen firsthand how access to technology can transform lives. By ensuring that every young person has the chance to dream big and achieve more,” said Libby Richards, community engagement manager, Lenovo.
Unlocking Passion and Confidence through High-Quality Learning Experiences
Building a future STEM workforce starts with impactful educators and mentors. At Clubs, kids have access to trained staff that have the skills and knowledge to teach STEM topics with confidence and creativity, thanks to a partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific. “For many students, their first encounter with STEM topics is facilitated by an educator,” said Meron Mathias, Vice President Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “That’s why our commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs includes support for staff training—so we can help ensure those encounters are thoughtful, meaningful and age-appropriate.” These high-quality learning experiences lead to more Club kids feeling comfortable pursuing STEM career paths—including paths they didn’t know existed before.
Another way Thermo Fisher helps bridge the exposure gap is by supporting the expansion of DIY STEM kits and digital content on the MyFuture platform. With DIY STEM kits, kids can dive into hands-on activities that make learning science, technology, engineering and math fun and relatable. Thanks to Thermo Fisher’s support, Club kids have created impressive science projects, ranging from environmental conservation to space exploration!
Practical Ways Parents Can Encourage Kids to Pursue STEM Professions
Parents play a vital role in nurturing their children’s interest in STEM. Here are fun and practical ways to encourage kids to pursue STEM degrees:
- Incorporate STEM into Daily Activities: Turn everyday tasks into learning opportunities! Cooking can teach measuring and chemistry, gardening can explain plant biology and DIY projects can involve building and engineering. Get creative and make it a fun learning experience.
- Encourage Curiosity and Questions: Create an environment where asking questions is not just allowed but celebrated. This curiosity is the foundation of scientific thinking. Answer their questions, explore topics together and encourage them to dig deeper.
- Provide STEM Toys and Kits: Invest in toys that spark interest and creativity. Chemistry sets, robotics kits and coding games are great tools for interactive learning. These toys make experimenting and learning a playful adventure.
- Visit Science Museums and Planetariums: Plan trips to places that offer interactive and educational STEM experiences. Did you know some museums offer sleepover events where kids can explore exhibits at night? These visits can make learning exciting and memorable.
- Promote STEM Reading: Stock up on books and magazines that focus on STEM topics. There are many engaging and informative materials that can inspire and educate children about the wonders of STEM.
- Leverage Online Resources: Utilize online platforms like educational videos, coding websites, and virtual science experiments. The internet is full of resources that make learning about STEM fun and interactive.
- Engage in STEM Events and Clubs: Encourage participation in school science fairs, STEM clubs and community events. Many local libraries offer free STEM workshops for kids, which can be a great way to meet like-minded peers and mentors.
- Highlight Real-World STEM Applications: Show how STEM is used in everyday life and discuss the various STEM professions and their impact on the world. Make connections between what they learn and real-world applications to make it more relatable.
- Be a Role Model: Demonstrate a positive attitude towards STEM subjects and lifelong learning. Share your own experiences and interests in STEM-related activities. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and inspire them to pursue their passions.
Pursuing a STEM Career Starts Here
When kids are given the chance to explore STEM, they ignite a passion that can lead to incredible futures. In fact, 52% of 12th-grade Club teens express an interest in a STEM career, compared to only 27% of their peers nationally. At Boys & Girls Clubs, we believe in hands-on experiences that make learning fun and engaging. Our dedicated mentors and innovative programs provide the tools and support needed to explore the exciting world of STEM. By fostering a love for science, technology, engineering and math, we’re not just preparing kids for their next test — we’re helping them open doors to endless possibilities.
Sources
1 Voices of Gen Z: Perspectives on STEM Education and Careers – https://nextgeninsight.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Voices-of-Gen-Z.pdf
2 Digital divide persists as 22% of low-income households with children lack internet – https://www.k12dive.com/news/digital-divide-households-children-no-internet/694596/
