Smart STEM Partnerships: The Key to Growing a Skilled U.S. Workforce

By: Rena Anderson

America’s ability to remain globally competitive relies upon maintaining a skilled and diverse STEM workforce. Demand continues to grow for researchers, scientists and engineers, as well as workers in technical and manufacturing fields.

But current statistics indicate interest in STEM might be waning. During a time of unprecedented growth in space, cyber and other STEM-related fields, a 2021 National Science Foundation (NSF) report revealed only 24% of U.S. workers served in STEM occupations. Last year, the Space Foundation reported that U.S. colleges have experienced a five-year decline in engineering students. These statistics signal a warning and emphasize the need for immediate action.

How can the United States meet this growing need for an energized, diverse and skilled STEM workforce? By working smarter, not harder.

The Rise of Smart STEM Partnerships
Smart STEM partnerships unite nonprofits, industry, academia and others to bridge the gap between workforce demand and supply. Each entity coalesces around a bigger vision – designing a solution to overcome any barriers or stigmas surrounding STEM careers. Fueled by this shared goal, the partnership can create multiple touchpoints – engaging outreach programs, mentorship initiatives, scholarship opportunities and more – that inspire and support students from a young age and from all backgrounds to set their sights on a STEM-based future. The result? A reversal of current statistics and the cultivation of a new generation of professionals ready to help the U.S. maintain its global leadership status in science and technology.

Choosing Partners
There are numerous STEM programs and resources available today, but some simply need a boost through smart partnerships to reach a broader audience. Begin by assessing what skills, knowledge and expertise you or your organization bring to the table. From there, choose partners who complement your contributions and/or fill gaps.

The Key Elements for Partnership Success
Once your group is assembled, set yourself up for success. Follow these three key elements to build a successful, smart partnership:

  •  Set realistic and shared goals: A successful partnership involves no hidden agendas or self-serving mindsets. Under your shared vision, collectively clarify what needs to be achieved, outline priorities and set measurable goals.

  • Leverage collective knowledge and experience: Each partner brings different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in best addressing fast-changing industry needs. Collaborate around these points of view to land on the most creative, inclusive solution to reach a broader audience.

  • Define key roles and accountability: Who will manage the project? Create the budget? Develop the timeline? Create communications? Measure impact? Everyone needs an assigned role. Regularly measure progress to create trust and accountability among partners, as well as troubleshoot issues as a group.

Smart STEM Partnerships in Practice
There are numerous space-related organizations already using smart STEM partnerships to benefit today’s students:

  • Blue Origin’s Club for the Future partners with educators and nonprofits to bring space to everyone through the Postcards to Space program.

  • Space Center Houston partners with the Conrad Foundation and industry to host The Conrad Challenge, a STEM innovation and entrepreneurship competition for high school students.

  • The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation partners with universities and STEM companies to create educational and career opportunities for college students.

  • The Aldrin Family Foundation partners with K12 educators, government agencies and universities to take students on a journey to the Moon and Mars.

  • After-school programs like STEM NOLA engage K12 students in project-based STEM learning activities where college students and corporate volunteers serve as program instructors and mentors.

If the U.S. is to remain a leader in science, technology, engineering, space exploration and innovation, we need to join forces and work together. Smart STEM partnerships are the answer.

Rena Anderson is the Director, STEM and Workforce Development for Griffin Communications Group.

Brett Griffin