Careers and College Students
Studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) has seen a resurgence. These subjects are more important than ever as technology changed. But, there is a shortage of workers qualified for many of these STEM careers. Let’s break down some of the stats:
- 2 out of 3 of new STEM jobs are in Computer Science, but only 10% of university STEM students study Computer Science. Only 3% of university students graduate with a degree in Computer Science. There are more computing jobs than qualified workers to fill them.
- Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the US. There are 500,000 current Computer Science job openings. These jobs are growing at twice the rate of jobs in other fields. The ratio of jobs compared to qualified workers will continue to increase.
- Computer Science majors can earn 40% more than the college average. In 2019, High School graduates had a lifetime earnings average of $580,000. College graduates lifetime earnings average: $1.19 mil. Computer Science graduates lifetime earnings: $1.67 mil. Computer Science graduates earn more than their college peers.
The number of job opportunities in Computer Science grows every day. It is a lucrative career choice and field of study at university.
School Curriculums
What are high schools doing to prepare students for futures in coding? Currently, there are many states that are lacking in adequate Computer Science education. This means that many children are not prepared for success in technological careers.
45% of high schools in the US teach computer science. Over half of high school students get no education in Computer Science at school.
54% of surveyed students said they enjoy Computer Science “a lot.” 90% of parents want their children to study Computer Science. Most students and parents understand that kids need Computer Science classes.
In 2013, 12 states recognized Computer Science as high school Math or Science credits. 48 states recognize Computer Science for this credit as of 2019. State education boards are beginning to understand the importance of learning to code.
But, only 34 US states have K-12 Computer Science standards. There is still a way to go in developing a standard education curriculum in Computer Science.
Schools understand the importance of education in Computer Science, but could still improve.
Coding for Girls
STEM studies aren't only for boys. Many girls have an interest in coding and Computer Science. But, STEM studies and technology careers are male-dominated.
- In 2016, only 34% of STEM bachelor’s degree holders were women. Fewer women are studying scientific fields in university.
- 77% of Science and Technology workers in Canada are men. Three times as many men work in coding than women.
- Women who study AP Computer Science are 10x more likely to major in it at university. Girls who learn coding are likely to study it at a high level.
Coding is an important subject to teach to young women. They are likely to continue their Computer Science education in university.
In 1995, 37% of computer scientists were women. Today, it’s only 24%. The percent will continue to decline if we do nothing. We know that the biggest drop off of girls in computer science is between the ages of 13 and 17.
Teaching kids to code is an important part of their education and can lead them to a successful future!
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