Conference: STEM skills vital to workforce development

story by Marla Cantrell
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At Wednesday’s (Aug. 18) meeting of the Arkansas Economic Issues Breakfast Series, representatives from colleges across the state met via video conference to discuss the achievements and challenges of training a workforce proficient in STEM (science, technology, math and engineering) skills.

The Fort Smith regional meeting was held at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

According to 2008 census data, only 18.8% of Arkansans have college degrees, which the educators cited as a major deterrent in attracting industry. Older numbers from 2001 show only 4% have an associate degree; 34% have high school degrees or GEDs, and 21% have some college, but no degree.

But there is good news.

The 2010 numbers from the Arkansas Department of Education show 80% of 4th graders are proficient or advanced in math. The numbers drop slightly in Crawford County at 74%, and in Sebastian County, at 78%. Push ahead to 8th grade, and the statewide number is 63%, with Sebastian County a full point ahead, and Crawford County right on the mark.

Broken down further, through the Advanced Placement program, Fort Smith has a 30% or greater participation, while Van Buren comes in at the 20 to 29 percentile.

The concerted effort to bring children into programs focused on STEM seems to be widespread.

Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research in the Walton College, said the initiative in Northwest Arkansas begins in Pre-K.

“We’re big in STEM integration,” Deck said. “We are the heart of green valley. … We are where the technology and know-how meets business. We’re taking advantage of the fact that we have infrastructure. We have the University of Arkansas. We have Wal-Mart. Springdale Schools have an E-STEM Times Two, where they integrate economics, STEM, and then art and literature. Each builds on the other.”

Other universities talked about international summer internships for college students to prepare them for work in the labor force, bringing in high school students to train in college labs, and using creative tools, such as CSI-type camps to promote science to children.

The University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff touted its $11 million in grants, accumulated since 2004, which has increased retention, and helped pay for faculty training. The school also hosts a summer academy for seniors the year they graduate.

Mark Arant, dean of the UAFS College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, said the STEM program is growing, with enrollment up 13%. He said the college is “overhauling the science education degrees” to meet student needs.

Benny Gooden, Fort Smith Public Schools superintendent, said the district has been on board with STEM curriculum for many years — especially at Northside High School.

He also said the district works to encourage students to consider college.

“We had another initiative last year to get the kids to take ACT tests. If you look at these stats, you have a whole lot of poor kids in Fort Smith who don’t think they can go to college,” Gooden explained. “If you can get them to take the ACT, the ACT is the ticket to get these kids connected. If we can push them into that, it says to them, hey, we’ve got a chance.”