Will South Dakota seize the future?

South Dakota could have a bright future in STEM

South Dakota will enjoy steady STEM growth As in much of the country, STEM jobs in South Dakota will enjoy steady growth. Computing, engineering and advanced manufacturing will all grow significantly. Given the importance of technology as a driver of innovation and economic growth, SD may want to do more to promote a stronger computing, engineering and manufacturing workforce to strengthen the industry in the state.

STEM jobs earn more than non-STEM jobs in SD STEM employees in South Dakota can earn nearly double that of their non-STEM contemporaries.

SD 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. Even through the waning days of the recession, STEM unemployment stood at less then 1.5%. South Dakota ranks among the top 10 states in STEM employment premium nationwide SD rank: STEM employment premium (10th)

Will South Dakota have the STEM talent to meet the demand?

SD has potential to increase pool of STEM talent SD has the highest percentage of STEM degrees and certificates in the nation. Though ranking first in the country, South Dakota has the potential to help close the STEM gap by producing more graduates in STEM fields.

Minorities are sparse in computing Nearly 18% of population… …but only 5% of degrees Underrepresented minorities: Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska native. The percentage of underrepresented minorities completing computing degrees and certificates has hovered around two percent and eight percent for 15 years. However, the story is still worse for engineering.

Minorities very scarce in engineering 18 percent of population… In absolute terms, racial and ethnic minorities are badly underrepresented among those who get degrees and certificates from South Dakota engineering programs. While they constitute more than 18 percent of college population, they earn only four percent of engineering degrees and certificates. On this measure, South Dakota ranks among the bottom 10 of states nationwide. …but only 4% of degrees SD rank (% of engineering degrees/certificates conferred): tied for 44th

Women sparse in computing Over 4x more for men Only 19% for women South Dakota has a sizable gap between the number of men earning computing degrees and certificates and the number of women earning them. On the measure of female representation in computing degrees and certificates, South Dakota ranks among the bottom ten states nationwide. Since 2001, men have earned more than triple the number of computing degrees compared to women; 4,984 versus 1,615, respectively. Women earned fewer degrees/certificates than they did 15 years ago, while men earn more. SD rank (computing degrees/certificates conferred in 2015): 42nd

Women sparse in engineering Over 3X more for men Only 21% for women Though there have been increases since 2001 in the number of women earning engineering degrees and certificates, men have earned nearly 5 times as many over that span; 5,134 versus 1,059, respectively. In 2015, women earned just 21% of SD engineering degrees and certificates. On this measure of female representation in engineering degrees and certiricats, SD ranks among the bottom ten states. SD rank (engineering degrees/certificates conferred in 2015): 43rd

The challenge begins early: Students lag in K-12

SD 4th-graders have made little progress in math While all SD 4th graders fall below the proficiency mark, Black and Hispanic SD 4th graders trail their higher-income and white peers.

SD 8th-graders’ math performance has been flat While all groups of SD 8th graders fall below the proficiency mark in math, Hispanic and lower-income students trail their peers.

SD 8th-graders are not improving in science Lower-income students trail their peers.

Persistent achievement gaps in math and science Black and Hispanic students trail behind their white peers by as much as 36 percentage points.

Persistent achievement gaps in math and science Though too many SD students are below the proficiency threshold, lower-income students trail their higher-income peers by up to 26 percentage points.

South Dakota can give students better opportunities to learn

SD lags in teacher preparation SD has a lower percentage of 8th graders whose science teachers hold degrees in science. While all SD 8th graders need science teachers with science degrees, urban students trail their rural peers.

More SD students need access to science lab stations South Dakota 8th-graders whose schools report that lab stations in science labs are available “to a large extent” SD has fewer 8th grade students whose schools report lab stations to a great degree than peers in many other states; just over 50 percent.

Many SD students lack access to advanced classes South Dakota students need better access to advanced math and science courses. SD ranks near the bottom nationally as compared to other states.

Advanced classes could develop minority talent Untapped pool of STEM talent The good news is SD has minority students with the potential to succeed on AP placement tests. The challenge is 63 percent did not take them. The first step is to help these students take the tests.

To seize the future in STEM… South Dakota should expand access to: Proven STEM education opportunities for women and students of color More opportunities for minority and lower-income students Teachers with strong STEM backgrounds and robust instructional support More STEM materials and facilities for K-12 students Greater accessibility to 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