STEM – short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – is a broad umbrella of subjects encompassing an even vaster collection of jobs. As the world continues to digitize, its technological applications are growing exponentially each year, and STEM jobs will continue to be in high demand.
But perhaps it’s best to begin with a disclaimer: It’s important not to force young learners toward subjects they don’t organically gravitate towards. If your kid shows a stronger proclivity toward the arts or social sciences, it’s better to nurture those instincts than shun them in service of courting high-paying jobs.
However, if your young learner is interested in STEM, you can – and should – help them along that path. Preparing your kid for a career in STEM involves tailoring their education plans, encouraging curiosity, and suggesting relevant hobbies. Here’s how to do it.
Consider Summer Science Camps
Science camps are a fantastic introduction to the wide world of applied sciences. While many students limit their academic interactions with science to theory (i.e. reading about concepts in a textbook), science camps encourage them to roll up their sleeves and make things happen.
The best camps explore the gamut of subjects, from physics and engineering to chemistry and biology, while keeping things engaging. If you aren’t sure where to start, research outreach programs at your local university – they tend to offer multi-week summer programs.
Enroll in Online High School Courses
Online high school courses are beneficial for several reasons. Their self-paced model and flexibility allow students to explore their interests on a personal timeline that helps them digest and retain information. And their robust support systems ensure that tutoring is always accessible.
However, perhaps the most significant advantage of online courses – at least regarding preparing for STEM jobs – is that they are technologically focused. The workplaces of today and tomorrow will be primarily digital, almost unilaterally online, and with a heavy bent toward computer usage. Choosing an education that reflects that upcoming reality will help your young learner prepare themselves for the world ahead. In your search for the right option, look for well-respected, ministry-inspected schools like Ontario eSecondary School.
Carve Out Weekend Time for Guided Museum Tours
Museums of natural science are a great way for visual and kinesthetic learners to get their STEM fix. These immersive institutions allow young learners to confront the physical presence of scientific concepts – whether that’s a towering T-Rex skeleton, a gallery of human biological models, or a planetarium view of the cosmos.
Encouraging curiosity through immersive experiences is a terrific way to prepare your student for the real world of STEM professionalism.
Look into Local Mentoring Programs
Lastly, consider local mentoring programs, if possible. Several post-secondary institutions—and even some private business associations—offer wonderful mentorship programs for high-school students expressing an interest in STEM.
Your city website should have a list of local mentorship programs broken down by age level, experience, and areas of focus. If they don’t, you can try Googling keywords like (your local area) plus (the field of study your student is interested in) plus “mentorship programs.”
Follow these straightforward steps to encourage your kids to investigate their interests, fine-tune their educational experience, and prepare for the exciting world ahead.
