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What is STEM?

STEM is an educational program developed to educate students in four specific disciplines; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM takes these four areas of study and it combines them into meaningful learning experiences that can be used in real-world scenarios. A STEM education is all about moving forward, creating solutions, and advancing innovation.

Why Choose a STEM Career?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has published a list of STEM Occupations and Salary Information [PDF], and projects overall STEM employment to grow about 13 percent between 2012 and 2022. This is faster than the 11 percent rate of growth projected for all occupations over the decade.
  • Impact on Society

    You can make a difference by contributing to the creation or improvement of products, devices, treatments, or applications.

    You can also have the opportunity to increase the standard of living of individuals and contribute to conservation efforts.

  • Challenge

    Think about how fast technology changes and how frequent medicine advances.

    In a STEM field, you will be challenged to think critically and be creative as a daily part of your work.

  • You're In Demand

    "We have the jobs to fill but not the people to fill them." said Tom Hopcroft, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council and member of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. “A major roadblock to expansion of the high-tech sector in Massachusetts is the talent shortage.”

    The United States is facing an aging task force of baby boomers approaching retirement and the difficulties of hiring foreign STEM workers due to tough immigration laws.  Along with these challenges, the United States has to increasingly compete with emerging foreign markets focused on expanding their STEM-related industries. 

  • Satisfaction & Salary
    Job Satisfaction

    Many STEM fields, such as engineering, are consistently ranked as obtaining the most job satisfaction.  Many people in these fields consider their jobs to be fun because they have the ability to engage in hands-on tasks and work on developing practical solutions.

    High Salary

    On average, new STEM graduates earn more than graduates from other fields. All these reasons add to continued STEM job growth for years to come, as supported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics STEM Occupations and Salaries report, there will be a 34 percent increase in professional, scientific, and technical services employment by 2018.

 

BCC Stem Resources

Did you know that Berkshire Community College has some of the most cutting-edge educational technology available? From 3D printers to virtual anatomy labs, BCC's STEM resources give students all the tools they need. Click on a location on one of the campus building maps below to learn more about one of our many STEM labs.

 

STEM Starter Academy

The Berkshire Community College STEM Starter Academy Program is geared toward incoming freshman interested in high-demand careers in a variety of STEM fields. Each cohort of STEM Scholars will gain transition-to-college skills and develop college success strategies that will give them the tools they need to be STEM-ready in college and in the workplace.

Need Help?

Julie M. Hannum
Program Coordinator, STEM Starter Academy
413-236-4549
jhannum@berkshirecc.edu

Learn More

Works in the Berks Video Series for STEM Employment Opportunities