Will Minnesota seize the future?

Minnesota could have a bright future in STEM

MN will enjoy robust STEM growth As in much of the country, STEM jobs in Minnesota will enjoy robust growth. Advanced manufacturing will grow particularly quickly. Given the importance of technology as a driver of innovation and economic growth, MN may want to do more to promote a stronger computing and manufacturing workforce, along with other measures to strengthen the industry in the state.

MN STEM jobs pay substantially more In MN, STEM employees can earn nearly double the salary of their non-STEM contemporaries. In other words, the advantage of having a STEM job is higher than in most other states—a sign of strong demand.

Will Minnesota have the STEM talent to meet the demand?

MN loses STEM talent at each education level Though close to the national average, MN has the potential to help close the STEM gap by producing more graduates in STEM fields.

Women sparse in computing Nearly 4X higher for men Minnesota has a sizable gap between the number of men earning computing degrees and certificates and the number of women earning them. Women have historically earned a lower percentage of computing degrees/certificates than men in Minnesota. Since, 2001, men have earned more than triple the number of computing degrees/certificates compared to women; 30,755 versus 8,567, respectively. Only 21% for women

Women sparse in engineering Over 4X higher for men Only 18% for women Though there have been nominal increases since 2001 in the number of women earning engineering degrees and certificates, men have more than 5 times as many; 20,363 versus 4,005. In 2015, women earned only 18% of MN engineering degrees and certificates compared to men.

Minorities very scarce in engineering 15% of the Population… …but only 8% of degrees In absolute terms, racial and ethnic minorities are badly underrepresented among those who get degrees and certificates from Minnesota engineering programs. While they make up just less than a quarter of college populations, fewer than 5 percent earn these degrees. MN rank: 47th

The challenge begins early: MN students outperform their peers in other states, but many still fall behind

MN 4th graders lead in math, but progress has stalled MN 4th grade students outperform their counterparts from other states on math scores. MN rank: overall (2nd); eligible for free/reduced lunch (tied for 7th with NC and KY)

MN 8th graders lead in math, but progress has stalled MN 8th grade students outperform their counterparts from other states on math scores. MN rank: tied with NH for 2nd

Persistent achievement gaps in math and science MN minorities trail their majority counterparts. Hispanic and Black students lag behind their white peers. MN rank: Hispanic-white gap 8th grade math (49th); Black-white gap 4th grade math (44th); Black-white gap 4th grade science (43rd)

Persistent achievement gaps in math and science MN minorities trail their majority counterparts. Lower-income students lag behind their higher-income peers.

MN teachers more likely to have math majors—but the state still has far to go Minnesota has a higher percentage of 8th grade math teachers who hold undergraduate degrees in math than the national average. However, still less than half of MN 8th grade math teachers having these degrees speaks to the broader need for more degree-holding math teachers.

Minnesota can give students better opportunities to learn

Nearly a third of 4th-graders spend less than 2 hours per week on science Minnesota students need better access to challenging math and science classes, like calculus and physics. While all MN students need this access, Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaskan Native students in particular trail their counterparts.

MN students spend little time on engineering Minnesota students need better access to challenging math and science classes, like calculus and physics. While all MN students need this access, Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaskan Native students in particular trail their counterparts.

Too many MN students lack access to advanced classes Minnesota students need better access to challenging math and science classes, like calculus and physics. While all MN students need this access, Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaskan Native students in particular trail their counterparts.

Advanced classes could develop minority talent The good news is MN has minority students with the potential to succeed on AP placement tests. The challenge is 54 percent did not take them. The first step is to help these students take the tests. Untapped pool of STEM talent

Evidence points to MN’s bright future in STEM Minnesota should expand access to: Proven STEM education opportunities for students of color Teachers with strong STEM backgrounds and robust instructional support Better STEM materials and facilities More science resources and greater accessibility to challenging math and science classes Proven out-of-school STEM opportunities

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