Kettering University Graduates Find That STEM Degrees = a Job

FLINT, Mich.--May 23, 2006--It's basic supply and demand. There are plenty of jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) but not enough graduates. Ironically, the demand for STEM graduates is growing as the number of students entering these fields is declining, causing starting salaries for graduates with STEM degrees to rise significantly.

What is causing this trend? The answers may lie in K-12 preparedness, better understanding of STEM fields and making these professions relevant. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released May 3, 2006 concludes poor mathematics and science preparation in K-12 education, insufficient levels of mathematics and science courses completed during high school, additional tuition costs required to obtain STEM degrees, and the availability of mentoring, especially for women and minorities in STEM careers, are to blame.

Graduating engineers at Kettering University in Flint feel it's a lack of understanding. "It's the perception that all STEM programs are difficult and hard to get through, which isn't true," said Rachel Charron of Nottingham, Maryland, who will graduate June 10.

Matthew Hilgendorf of Cedarburg, Wis., another June graduate, agrees with Charron, and adds academia and industry don't market the career fields well to make engineering relevant for college-bound students.

The GAO recommendations for improving interest in STEM fields include increasing the:

-- understanding of STEM fields,

-- academic outreach to primary and secondary students beginning in Kindergarten,

-- outreach to female and minority students and

-- more effective use of professional mentors.

Kettering is maintaining its market share of STEM students through innovation and the ability to make engineering relevant and real for students. Kettering is ahead of the curve because of its unique professional co-op program beginning in the freshman year, coupled with aggressive pre-college programs, FIRST Robotics programs, outreach to K-12 education in development, on-campus programs to support women and minority students, and professional mentoring for all students through co-op.

Heinz Schulte, a senior vice president at the Robert Bosch Corp., said Kettering's co-op model works well for industry. "The students understand the workplace better than someone who goes to school first and then enters the workplace," he concluded.

For more on this national job trend, go to Kettering's web site at: http://www.kettering.edu/news/storyDetail.asp?storynum=1