Stories in STEM – Representation in South Carolina STEM Education

Today, the STEM workforce includes 12.3 million women (35% of the STEM workforce), 8.3 million members of underrepresented minority groups (24%), and 1 million people with disabilities (3%)” (Diversity and STEM).

Representation is important and necessary for creating a well-rounded, more equitable education system and workforce. When people see themselves reflected in coursework, in organizations and industries, they see themselves as belonging. When such an observation is internalized, they may be more likely to pursue those career pathways. In other words, it is easier to be what you can see. Lack of representation may be one of the reasons that the number of women of color in STEM is so low. Representation, a necessary steppingstone to a truly equitable future, is especially important for younger generations of students and workers to understand that they can not only belong in STEM, but they can also thrive in it.

How do you know if you belong in STEM? “It begins with STEM educators representing their profession and sharing their stories,” states Tom Peters, Executive Director of South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science (SCCMS) at Clemson University.

South Carolina STEM Education Month 2023, launching on Pi Day (March 14), is an initiative of SCCMS. “It is an invitation to everyone to share their own STEM story and to encourage South Carolina’s young learners to see themselves in STEM careers,” adds Peters.

STEM Education Day at the Capitol, as part of STEM Education Month, is the biggest celebration of STEM initiatives in South Carolina. SCCMS invites all South Carolinians to be a part of STEM Day at the Capitol festivities.

Thanks to SC-ETV, you can tune in on April 12th from 10-11 a.m. to watch a live broadcast of events via Facebook Live.

Highlights include:
• A reading of the Governor’s Proclamation of STEM Education Day
• Recognition of the Growing in STEM Grant recipients
• Recognition of the SC STEM Educators of the Year finalists
• Announcement of the winner of the Learning Blade 3D printer giveaway

Use this link to tune in to the STEM Day at the Capitol live broadcast. Join us, and bring a friend!

Looking for more opportunities to find your STEM? Visit www.scstemmonth.org/ for more STEM Education Month activities and information.