Will Louisiana seize the future?

Louisiana could have a bright future in STEM

Louisiana will enjoy robust STEM growth As in much of the country, STEM jobs in Louisiana will enjoy robust growth. Computing and advanced manufacturing will all grow particularly quickly. Given the importance of technology as a driver of innovation and economic growth, LA may want to do more to promote a stronger computing and manufacturing workforce to strengthen the industry in the state.

STEM jobs earn more than non-STEM jobs in LA STEM employees in Louisiana can nearly double that of their non-STEM contemporaries.

LA STEM unemployment much lower than in non-STEM fields As is the case nationwide, the unemployment rate for STEM jobs is lower than non-STEM ones. The unemployment rate for STEM jobs in Louisiana is less than 3%, lower than the national average.

Will Louisiana have the STEM talent to meet the demand?

LA loses STEM talent at every education level Though close to the national average, Louisiana has the potential to help close the STEM gap by producing more graduates in STEM fields. LA has a lower percentage of high school graduates (74.6%) and HS graduates who enter 4-year degree programs (46.6%) than the national average (82.3% and 59.6%, respectively).

Minorities lag in computing degrees and certificates More than 40% of population… …but less than 1/3 of degrees Underrepresented minorities: Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska native. Minorities earned less than a third of all computing degrees/certificates earned in 2015, even though they comprise more than 40 percent of the college-age population. The story is still worse for engineering.

Minorities very scarce in engineering More than 1/3 of population… In absolute terms, racial and ethnic minorities are badly underrepresented among those who get degrees and certificates from Louisiana engineering programs. While they constitute 43 percent of college populations, only 12 percent earn these degrees and certificates. …but only 12% of degrees

Women sparse in computing Over 3x more for men Only 24% for women The gap between the number of men earning computing degrees and certificates and the number of women earning them has grown tremendously over the last 15 years. Since 2001, men have earned more than twice as many computing degrees as women; 14,400 versus 7,084, respectively. Women earned fewer degrees in 2015 than in 2001, while men have grown their number.

Women sparse in engineering Nearly 4x more for men Only 21% for women Though there have been modest increases since 2001 in the number of women earning engineering degrees and certificates, men have earned nearly 4 times as many over the past 15 years; 17,243 versus 4,453, respectively. In 2015, women earned just 21% of LA engineering degrees and certificates compared to men.

The challenge begins early: Students lag in K-12

LA 4th graders have made gains in math since 2003 LA 4th-graders have made moderate gains in math scores since 2003 Louisiana still ranks near the bottom in 4th grade math performance when compared to other states nationally. LA rank: overall (tied for 45th); lower-income (49th); white (46th) rural (45th)

LA 8th graders’ math scores have been mostly flat. Black students have given up most of the gains they made between 2003 and 2007 Hispanic students gained, and then lost, ground between 2011 and 2015. LA rank: overall (49th); lower-income (49th); urban (tied for 46th) rural (tied for 44th); Black (tied for 43rd)

Persistent achievement gaps in math performance LA did not participate in the Nation’s Report Card science assessments in 2015 Though too many LA students are below the proficiency threshold, lower-income students trail their higher-income counterparts. Louisiana students eligible for free/reduced lunch trail their peers in math proficiency by up to 28 percent. LA rank (income gap): 8th grade math (tied for 42nd)

Louisiana can give students better opportunities to learn

LA needs more 8th grade math teachers with math degrees Louisiana has a very low percentage of 8th grade math teachers who hold math degrees. LA ranks near the bottom in this area as compared to other states. While all LA 8th graders are affected, underrepresented minorities and lower-income students rank lower nationally. LA rank: overall (tied for 45th ); Hispanic (49th); Black (tied for 45th);

Many LA students lack access to advanced classes All Louisiana students need better access to advanced math and science courses. High schoolers in the state are much less likely than their peers nationally to have access to such courses.

On average, LA high school grads are not ready for college 100 percent of Louisiana’s 2016 graduating class took the ACT, and their average scores fell well below the college-readiness threshold in math and science. Black, Latino, and female students trailed their peers.

Advanced classes could develop minority talent Untapped pool of STEM talent The good news is LA has minority students with the potential to succeed on AP placement tests. The challenge is that two out of three did not take them. LA ranks near the bottom in this area compared to other states. The first step is to help these students take the tests. LA rank: 42nd

To seize the future in STEM… Louisiana should expand access to: Vetted STEM education opportunities for women and students of color Teachers with strong STEM backgrounds and robust instructional support More STEM materials and facilities for K-12 students Challenging math and science classes

Contact Information Claus von Zastrow cvonzastrow@changetheequation.org 202.626.5740 www.changetheequation.org Facebook.com/changetheequation Twitter.com/changeequation