As of November 27, 2024, a recent study titled 'STEM and the American Workforce' highlights that two-thirds of U.S. employment is now in STEM-related occupations, which contribute a staggering 69% to the U.S. GDP and generate approximately $2.3 million in annual federal tax revenue [9607add4]. This growing demand for STEM jobs is outpacing the workforce's ability to fill these positions, indicating a critical need for enhanced educational and training initiatives in these fields [9607add4].
In response to this urgent demand, the New York Academy of Sciences has launched a year-long virtual series called 'Chat with Experts: Career Explorer.' This initiative aims to showcase various STEM careers and features insights from professionals at leading organizations such as Pfizer, City College of New York, and Harvard [9607add4]. The series is scheduled to occur monthly on Thursdays, providing valuable information for those interested in pursuing careers in STEM [9607add4].
Simultaneously, highly digital jobs, categorized as 'CEM' (Computing, Engineering, and Mathematics), now account for over 25% of all jobs in the United States, a significant increase from 18% in 2010 and just 9% in 2002. These CEM jobs offer an average salary of $122,000 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $65,000 [349b822d].
However, the concentration of these jobs is alarming, with half located in only 30 metropolitan areas, raising concerns about equitable access to these lucrative opportunities [349b822d]. The workforce in CEM occupations is disproportionately represented by women and Black, Latino, Hispanic, and Indigenous workers, highlighting a critical need for proactive policies aimed at reducing disparities based on race and gender [349b822d].
To address these inequities, federal investments are being directed towards initiatives that aim to bridge demographic and geographic divides in the digital economy [349b822d]. Nonetheless, emerging political efforts threaten to roll back support for underrepresented groups, which could exacerbate existing disparities [349b822d].
Sustained investment and innovative approaches are deemed essential for fostering a competitive digital economy that is inclusive and equitable for all [349b822d]. This aligns with broader discussions in Latin America, where events such as the APD and Clan Nativus conference in Bogotá emphasize the importance of digital skills and technological inclusion for economic growth [48bb4652].
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, both the U.S. and Latin America face the challenge of ensuring that all workers have access to the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in this new economy [48bb4652].