Sarah Ford | September 19, 2013

NEW SURVEY SHOWS TEENS LOSING INTEREST IN STEM CAREERS WHILE U.S. PROJECTS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN FIELD

Junior Achievement USA® (JA) and the ING U.S. Foundation’s 2013 Teens & Careers survey reveals a substantial year-over-year decline in teens’ interest in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and medical-related fields. This is the 12th year the survey has been conducted. An executive summary of the 2013 Junior Achievement USA Teens & Career Survey is available here.

While almost half (46 percent) of all teens surveyed showed interest in pursuing either a STEM or medical-related job, there was a 15 percent decrease from last year’s data. Despite interest declining, the United States Department of Labor predicts employment opportunities in STEM careers will increase by 17 percent through 2018.  

“It is crucial that we reinvigorate teens about pursuing opportunities in STEM and medical-related careers,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “These fields drive our economy and innovation; they are not only high-growth career paths but also creative outlets where teens can apply their passions.”

The survey highlighted ‘passion’ and ‘area of interest’ as the number one factor guiding teens’ career choices. In order to spark interest among teens and build momentum for these growing fields, teens need assistance. They need mentors and programs that will help guide them through these major life decisions.

>> Click here to read more.

Source: Junior Achievement

Get Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox

Explore More Articles

Animal Rescue Team and Disaster Response

September 30, 2024

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Animal Rescue Team (ART) is on call 24/7, ready to deploy whenever animals are caught in large-scale…

Read Article

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Together We Can End Domestic Abuse

September 24, 2024

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. People who are…

Read Article

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

September 24, 2024

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – an annual campaign that aims to educate the public on the importance of early screening, testing and treatment for…

Read Article

Get Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox

Receive our monthly/bi-monthly newsletter filled with information about causes, nonprofit impact, and topics important for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement professionals, including disaster response, workplace giving, matching gifts, employee assistance funds, volunteering, scholarship award program management, grantmaking, and other philanthropic initiatives.

newsletter-mock