CSLNet believes that STEM education is more than just science, technology, engineering or mathematics; it is an interdisciplinary and applied approach that is coupled with real-world, problem-based learning. This bridging among the four discrete disciplines is now known as STEM. STEM education removes the traditional barriers erected between the four disciplines by integrating them into one cohesive teaching and learning paradigm. Today, new innovations and inventions tend to be made at the boundaries of these four disciplines, where they naturally overlap.

A STEM-literate student is not only an innovator and critical thinker, but is able to make meaningful connections between school, community, work and global issues. A STEM-literate high school graduate can enroll in a college-level course of study in science, technology, engineering, and math without the need for remediation. STEM skills are increasingly necessary to engage in a knowledge-based economy. There is solid evidence to suggest that the fastest-growing and highest-wage jobs in future years will be in STEM fields and all employees will need to utilize STEM skills for problem solving in a wide range of industries.

What is STEM

For decades, innovators and entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley to San Diego and from Hollywood to the Central Valley have fueled California’s dynamic growth and established our state as a global hub for innovation. To maintain California’s position as a leading innovation-driven economy in the 21st century, our students must be equipped with the skills and experiences that will prepare them to be leaders in our state’s robust economy and diverse, complex society.

However, California lags other states in math and science proficiency, with dramatic achievement and opportunity gaps among California students. While California used to be a national leader in K – 12 and higher education, it now ranks 43rd or lower among all states in mathematics and science proficiency in grades 4 and 8 with too many students entering the workforce with limited practical STEM experience and critical thinking skills – skills that are increasingly necessary for careers in California’s innovation-based economy and essential for an educated citizenry.  The education system that once helped propel California’s innovation-based economy is losing momentum.

CSLNet is answering this urgent call to improve STEM outcomes for California’s students by working to advance STEM teaching and learning throughout the state.

The STEM Challenge At A Glance