National STEM/STEAM Day on November 8 was designed to encourage kids to think about careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. These industries are projected to grow at double the rate of overall employment through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Locally, parents, educators, groups and organizations are banding together to provide hands-on learning and guidance to the great minds of tomorrow.
The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and Capital STEM Alliance are just two of the regional STEM supporters who go above and beyond. Capital STEM’s Director Lorie Thompson reminds everyone that “our youth are the key to our region’s future economic health.” They are working tirelessly to provide students with information and access to growing, stable, family-wage careers.
The Importance of STEM to Our Children and Communities
Focusing on STEM is more than just a school project or short-term experiment. It represents a large portion of today’s employment and an area that’s notably short of skilled job seekers.
“The mission of the Thurston Economic Development Council is to create a dynamic and sustainable economy that supports the values of the people who live and work in Thurston County,” says Executive Director Michael Cade. “To ensure that mission becomes a reality we rely upon efforts being undertaken by the Capital STEM Alliance. They work to ensure that as the economy changes, grows and expands, each individual within the region has opportunities, skills, and ways to mitigate barriers that exist between themselves and long-term career and employment opportunities.”
The Alliance develops both a network and the connections necessary for regional youth to explore careers and enhance skillsets in evolving and expanding employment opportunities, says Cade. “They provide the underpinning of successful communities as we all seek to become resilient and actively engaged in an inclusive environment,” he continues. “The skills and training for youth are vitally important for our future economic health.”
The Capital STEM Alliance Connects Kids and Careers for a Strong Future
Lorie Thompson is well-versed in the area’s STEM potential. Capital STEM Alliance was formed in 2021 to combine ESD 113 programs (the Regional Alliance for Youth, the Capital STEM Network, and the Capital Career Connected Learning Regional Network) into a collective action coalition.
The Alliance believes strongly in building equity – especially for marginalized populations – through STEM careers. And they’ve found the right leader for sure. “I love to be behind the scenes,” says Thompson, “and the joy of my life is networking. Introducing schools to community organizations or employers to their communities; really putting the right folks together.”
Capital STEM Alliance works to help potential program builders with funding and networking, showcase youth voices and host events and hands-on workshops like the recent Try-A-Trade. This event focused on rural communities and brought in over 1,000 students aged 14 to 21. There was hands-on training and 19 trade unions attended with some providing hiring information on the spot. Thompson says they even engaged with homeschool families and other students who might be outside the traditional information pipeline.
Encouraging Kids to Learn More about Booming STEM and STEAM Jobs
The hard work of local STEM teachers and advocates is paying off across western Washington. Oakville High School student Rachel Simmons was recently named a 2024 Washington STEM Rising Star, one of only 11 students statewide to receive this honor.
Thompson and the Capital STEM Alliance are working to expand the popular Try-A-Trade program by adding more career paths as well as boosting attendance in 2025. Learn more about the Try-A-Trade program here.
Thompson welcomes business engagement from all manner of industry and company leadership as there are options for advocacy, career exploration, job preparation, funding, industry committees and plenty of ways to inspire students.
Educator and community engagement can start as early as pre-K and the Alliance team has created ways to get involved while showcasing the benefits of engaging students early. From caregiver resources to apprenticeships, the Capital STEM Alliance guides local kids from birth to age 30.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
For 2025, the Alliance will focus on careers targeted for growth. These include construction and wood products, healthcare, information technology, maritime, clean energy and agriculture/food production/manufacturing.
Washington STEM, a statewide education nonprofit, says there are 10 regional networks that link business owners, educators, civic leaders and STEM professionals. Leaders at Washington STEM explain that by 2030, more than 80% of family-wage jobs in Washington will require a postsecondary degree and more than 50% will be in STEM fields. But as of 2021, only 40% of graduating students were on track for postsecondary schooling. Programs like Washington STEM and the Capital STEM Alliance are here to help bridge those gaps.
This November 8, take a few minutes to foster STEM learning or share the word about these hugely necessary programs. Follow Washington STEM on Facebook, X, and YouTube, or the Thurston EDC on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.
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