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Above: Biomedical science students considering the placement of the organs of the digestive system
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on their mannequin. Right: Digital electronic students build and troubleshoot electrical circuits.
STRONG STEM curriculum builds momentum in Wisconsin BY ALYSHA SCHERTZ
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he growth rate of STEM jobs is more than double that for other jobs in Wisconsin. A Georgetown University study predicts that nearly 160,000 Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)-related jobs will be created in the state by 2018.
While organizations throughout Wisconsin promote STEM education, K-12, higher educa-
tion, government and the public and private sectors need to work together to increase the quantity, quality and diversity of proficient workers to fill these jobs of the future.
“Wisconsin has always had a very forward-thinking, tremendous educational system. School districts across the state recognize that STEM careers are driving the future economy and no matter what career path students take, STEM is going to impact 56
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them one way or another,” said Joseph Miotke, attorney at Milwaukee-based DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. and statewide leadership chair for Project Lead the Way Wisconsin. “Wisconsin has been more proactive than a lot of other states, in my opinion, and has been will-
ing to take on this challenge.” PLTW is one of the largest science, technology, engineering and math K-12 educational programs in the U.S. MIOTKE In Wi sc onsin , PLTW is leading STEM initiatives, having served more than 500,000 students in more than 500 programs throughout the state, Miotke said. PLTW provides students access to realworld, applied learning experiences. The proA product of BizTimes Media