0. Will Washington seize the future?

1. Washington could have a bright future in STEM

2. WA will enjoy robust STEM growth
As in much of the country, STEM jobs in Washington will enjoy robust growth.
Computing and advanced manufacturing will grow particularly quickly.
Engineering looks like it will grow less quickly in comparative terms, but will grow well in absolute terms.
Given the importance of technology as a driver of innovation and economic growth, WA may want to do more to promote a stronger computing and manufacturing workforce, along with other measures to strengthen the industry in the state.

3. In WA, it pays to have a STEM job
WA has one of the strongest wage premiums in the country. STEM employees can earn more than double their non-STEM contemporaries.

4. Will Washington have the STEM talent to meet the demand?

5. WA has potential to increase pool of STEM talent
Though Washington graduates a lower percentage of high school students, the state exceeds the national averages for college students completing 2- and 4-year degree programs.

6. Women sparse in computing
Over 3X higher
for men
Over 30%
for women
Though Washington ranks in the top quartile in percentage of computing degrees and certificates earned by women, the results highlight the disparity in the state and the nation.
In 2001, the disparity was much smaller.
Since then, men have earned more than triple the number of computing degrees compared to women; 31,766 versus 9,929, respectively.

7. Women sparse in engineering
Over 4X higher
for men
Only 24%
for women
Though there have been modest increases since 2001 in the number of women earning engineering degrees and certificates (~44%), credentials earned by men have nearly doubled during the same period.
In 2015, women earned only 24% of WA engineering degrees and certificates compared to men.

8. Minorities also lag in computing
21% of
Population…
…but only
11% of degrees
Underrepresented minorities: Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska native.
WA ranks among the bottom ten of all US states in the number of computing degrees/certificates earned by minorities. This number is more glaring when you consider how poorly the nation performs across the board in this area.
As bad as the WA minority computing percentage is, WA’s minority engineering percentage is even lower.
WA diversity score rank: 38th

9. WA exceeds the national average for 4th grade science performance
Washington 4th grade students perform on science scores better than the national average

10. Minorities very scarce in engineering
One-fifth of
Population…
…but only 8%
of degrees
In absolute terms, racial and ethnic minorities are badly underrepresented among those who get degrees and certificates from Washington engineering programs.
While they make up just less than a quarter of college populations, fewer than 10 percent earn these degrees.

11. The challenge begins early: Students lag in K-12

12. Persistent racial performance
gaps in math & science

13. Persistent income performance gaps in math & science
Though WA ranks in the top ten regarding performance between different income levels, WA minorities trail their majority counterparts.
Lower-income, Hispanic and African American students lag farthest behind.

14. Lower-income 8th graders lag in science scores
8th grade students whose families have higher incomes outperformed their lower-income counterparts on science scores.

15. Minority 4th have made progress in science
Though WA white 4th grade students meet performed proficiently in science, Black and Hispanic students trail significantly.
That said, White, black and Latino students have been making swifter gains.

16. WA math teachers lack necessary resources
Washington students are less likely than most nationally to have math teachers who say they have the resources they need.
Black students are least likely to have such teachers.
WA rank: overall (tied with AZ for 46th)

17. WA math teachers lack necessary resources
Students eligible for free/reduced lunch are least likely to have math teachers who say they have the resources they need.
WA rank: lower-income (48th)

18. WA science teachers lack necessary resources
Students eligible for free/reduced lunch are least likely to have math teachers who say they have the resources they need.

19. WA minorities lack supplies for science labs
Students eligible for free/reduced lunch are least likely to have math teachers who say they have the resources they need.

20. Washington can give students better opportunities to learn

21. Too many WA students lack access to advanced classes
Washington students are less likely that students nationally to have access to challenging math and science classes, like calculus and physics.

22. Advanced classes could develop minority talent
The good news is WA has minority students with the potential to succeed on AP placement tests. The challenge is 60 percent did not take them.
The first step is to help these students take the tests.
Untapped pool of
STEM talent

23. Seizing the future in STEM…
Washington 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 learning opportunities

24. Contact Information
Claus von Zastrow Facebook.com/changetheequation Twitter.com/changeequation