National STEM program paves way for scientific innovations

by Balmore Ruiz

OPINIONS WRITER

plan on removing any systemic bias and discrimination that may exist and ensure sufficient funding for groups that have historically been deprived of certain standably, many have highlighted that no immediate change will take place and that this will be a slow process. “I am not sure we will see an effect, positive or negative, initially. There is going to be room for error, but…give it a number of years to be perfected,” math teacher Heidi Neto said.

The intent to give students the ability to succeed in their academic careers will positively impact students. This initiative will aid ambitious RM students in pursuing careers that are crucial in constructing our future societies. That said, the education system is facing various difficulties that will undermine the success of this program. Despite proposed solutions, such as increasing salaries, the teacher shortage remains a dire problem.

“I think the teacher shortage can definitely hurt it because, not only is there a lack of teachers, but there is a lack of people that are qualified to teach these subjects,” senior Arun Crispino said. However, this emphasis on STEMM fields brings up the question of whether other fields lack the same attention.Although it is good that the Biden administration took action to improve the STEMM system and enhance the quality of our education, this same attention should also be given to other educational fields outside of STEMM, as they are equally important. “There are definitely some important fields that we are missing a lot of people in… more emphasis on these will help increase the amount of education that we can add to other areas,” Crispino said. While STEMM has incredibly popular career paths, the reality is that not all students can benefit from the opportunities provided in the program, because not all students are passionate about these fields.

Nevertheless, with an increase in educated students and students with academic resources, there would surely be an increase in American scientific discoveries and innovation. The steps Biden and his administration are taking to ensure that all students from all backgrounds can have the privilege to exercise their intelligence should be something that is already taking place. The U.S. cannot assert its position of global power without expanding access to educational programs that will create the country’s next leaders in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine.