Position Statement: It is the position of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to support improved STEM education for all students. It is further the position of NSPE that students who exhibit an aptitude for, or an interest in pursuing STEM-related careers should be provided additional opportunities for education in STEM-related courses and engineering mentoring opportunities.
Background:
The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) recognizes that providing students a robust education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is critically important to the continued economic prosperity and national security of the United States, and that a strong national STEM education policy is required to ensure that all students receive adequate STEM education.
STEM education is especially vital at the K–12 level, when students develop a foundational understanding of STEM concepts and form opinions that will influence their future educational and career choices. NSPE encourages members to mentor and support students at all ages and capabilities in order to strengthen their STEM education.
Improved STEM education is necessary not only to cultivate more STEM professionals; such knowledge is fundamental for all citizens to successfully live and work in an increasingly technical society. Citizens must have a greater understanding of STEM concepts to function in daily life; to make informed decisions on matters that include their health care, environmental protection, and energy generation and conservation; and to provide meaningful input to their elected representatives on public policy issues.