PRESS RELEASE
(Manhattan Beach, CA) February 16, 2021– STEMconnector releases a new research report, The State of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in STEM: 2021, shining a light on the numbers behind America’s STEM talent crisis. The field of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – continues to be a critical driver of innovation, economic growth, and individual opportunity worldwide. In the US, the STEM economy supports 67% of American workers and it is estimated that over two million STEM jobs go unfilled every year. According to the new report from STEMconnector, increasing the number of people from underrepresented groups in STEM could significantly strengthen the STEM talent pipeline.
“Today, the United States leads the world in technological innovation with our corporations changing the way the world communicates and works. With STEM-related business contributing $2.3 trillion in tax revenue every year, it is critical that we maintain and grow our ability for continuous innovation and technology leadership,” said Dr. Jo Webber, FRSC CEO of STEMconnector. “In 2020 the inequalities that have existed in our society for many years surfaced through a series of shocking events. This has set the landscape for a much-needed deeper discussion and plan of action on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. At STEMconnector we felt it was time to measure. “
The numbers are staggering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the US economy alone will see an additional 10.7 million STEM jobs by 2029. Add to that, many companies are lacking racial/ethnic and gender diversity. Improving diversity in the STEM workplace isn’t just the right thing to do; research shows it will enable companies to capture new markets. The evidence sends a clear message: when done right, diversity and inclusion are good for business and make the workplace better for employees, employers, shareholders, and stakeholders alike.
Download the full report: The State of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in STEM: 2021.
About STEMconnector
STEMconnector is a US company committed to increasing the number of STEM-ready (Science Technology Engineering Math) workers in the global talent pool. We work with STEM-focused universities and colleges, and many of the world’s largest companies across multiple business verticals including defense, technology and retail, to help corporations build and maintain STEM-ready workforces. Using our technology platform and network programming, our clients in both public and private sectors are re-envisioning the workforce. Our mission is to inform, stimulate and connect leaders with a passion for and vested interest in growing a STEM-ready workforce.