The 2009 Lemelson-MIT Invention Index surveyed 500 teenagers regarding their feelings toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and found that many teens expressed an interest in these areas of study, and 80% of them feel that their schools have prepared them to pursue careers in these fields. In addition, teens’ perceptions of those employed in STEM fields are improving; no longer is the “geeky scientist” the predominant stereotype. The majority of teens surveyed described scientists, engineers, and mathematicians as intelligent and successful. All of this is good news considering that the U.S. has been falling behind other countries in all areas of STEM.
The survey, however, revealed the dearth of role models in STEM fields—nearly 2/3 of the teens surveyed would be discouraged from pursuing a career in the STEM fields because they either do not know anyone in those fields or understand what people in these fields do. These days, teens see athletes and actors as role models, and money is more of a motivating factor in choosing a career than anything else. It’s clear from this survey that teens are interested in STEM fields; we must figure out ways to cultivate and nurture that interest so that careers in the sciences once again become something that kids want to do when they grow up.
