Washington ranks among the top states in the concentration of STEM jobs. By 2030, 70% of high-demand, family-wage jobs available in our state will require postsecondary degree credentials; 67% of those will require postsecondary STEM credentials. But students are not equitably or adequately prepared to take advantage of these opportunities. Today, only 40% of all students are on track for postsecondary credentials. Worse, students of color, rural students, girls, and students living in poverty still lack access to these pathways—they face disparities early on and fall further behind as they move through the education system. STEM serves as one of the best paths to high-demand careers and long-term economic security. It is imperative that Black, Brown, and indigenous students, rural and low-income students, and girls have access. Washington STEM is working to ensure that all students have equal opportunity to benefit from the transformational possibilities that STEM offers.
