Celebrating our future scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians
“It’s not just asking about how classes are going but asking ‘how are you?’ That’s how you find issues of food or housing insecurity, impostor syndrome, or feeling over your head.” – Mary Theisen, College Success Foundation
When superior high school athletes sign letters of intent for the colleges they plan to attend, they’re rewarded with fanfare and hoopla. On April 29, that happened for academic standouts, too.
Partnership for Learning,
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The projected number of entry-level, family-sustaining STEM jobs in King County per year.
Washington SAT test takers in 2019-20 that indicated an intended college major in a STEM field.
33%
42K
+
42K
+
STEM Signing Day, presented by The Boeing Company, honors students’ resilience and showcases the importance of staying on track to earn postsecondary credentials.
During event ceremonies April 29, more than 600 students – including 46 in Washington – at 14 sites across the country each signed a letter of intent addressed to the institution or program where they plan to pursue a post-high school credential, including technical programs and two- and four-year colleges and universities. The signing ceremony is modeled after events when student athletes commit to a college program.
After an epilepsy diagnosis in sixth grade, Interlake High School senior Ishaan Ganguly spent time in the hospital during middle school. This piqued his curiosity about medical technology.
“Throughout high school, I've learned some of the fundamentals about how these technologies work and feel inspired to build on this understanding to help improve them,” says Ganguly, who plans to study electrical engineering and computer science. He is considering attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California – Berkeley, or Stanford University.
Students participating in this year’s STEM Signing Day are enthusiastic about taking a giant leap toward their career goals, even as the pandemic persists in the background.
“We are thrilled to celebrate these Washington students,” says Sam Whiting, Boeing global engagement director, Western Region. “They have come so far and accomplished so much – particularly amidst the pandemic – and their dedication to careers in STEM gives great hope. They will be among the thinkers, innovators, scientists, engineers, health care workers and many other contributors working to build a great future here in Washington state.”
Giving students a time to shine for their academic achievements and ambitions is an important statement of support, says India Carlson, a science instructor and greenhouse manager at Ballard High School in Seattle.
STEM Signing Day honors students’ resilience and showcases the importance of staying on track to earn postsecondary credentials. By 2030, projected job openings in Washington requiring STEM-related skills and knowledge are expected to account for 84% of all job openings.
“Students have overcome amazing challenges this year and, despite it all, they have stayed on track to their dreams,” Carlson says. “I became a science teacher because I thought it would be engaging, challenging and fun, and I was right, but the added bonus is dreaming about what students can go on to achieve and knowing I get to be a part of it.”
Source (2019): King Region - STEM by the Numbers (washingtonstem.org)
Source: STEM - Washington STEM Talent Supply and Demand Dashboard
“We are excited to celebrate Washington students on STEM Signing Day and hope that even more students are encouraged to find their passions and pursue a credential that will help them achieve their dreams,” Mullin says. “There is clearly more work to do to support more students as they explore, prepare for, and pursue post-high school education and credentials.”
The Top industries and STEM jobs in Regional King County.
Software developers
Biotechnicians
Electricians
Medical assistants & nurses
Source (2019): King Region - STEM by the Numbers
84
%
The percentage of job openings in 2030 that will be STEM careers.
84
%
Source (2019): STEM by the Numbers Report
158,020
%
The projected annual job openings that will require STEM education or STEM literacy in 2018-2023.
158,020
Source: Labor Market - Washington STEM
STEM Signing Day honors students’ resilience and showcases the importance of staying on track to earn postsecondary credentials.
“We want our students to have the credentials they need, and the education required for the jobs they want,”
– Steve Mullin, president of the Washington Roundtable.
the education foundation of the Washington Roundtable, brings together business leaders and education partners to improve our state’s education system, so Washington students are ready to pursue the career pathways of their choice.
“What excites me about STEM is being able to create meaningful innovation that will improve the way of life and solve the problems and challenges we face today,” says Hillary Berkoh, a senior at Mariner High School in Everett and one of the 2021 STEM Signing Day honorees. She plans to study computer science at the University of Washington.
“I am excited about computer software technology because it is essential for everything from modeling viruses to building fuel-efficient airplanes,” says Ziming Lin, a senior from Anacortes High School who intends to pursue a two-year degree in computer science at Skagit Valley College.
“The breadth of opportunities and impact to change the world is what motivates me every day to further my passion in STEM,” says Sathvik Nallamalli, a senior at Olympia High School who plans to study computer science at Stanford University. “I am captivated by the new innovations that we see today, and I want to merge my talents in STEM with passion to improve our community to develop innovative and impactful tools.”
“This is a new thing for our community, and I know my fellow STEM educators, students and families are excited for it,” she said.
The demand for STEM talent in Washington state is significant. According to Washington STEM, a Seattle-based nonprofit, there will be more than 240,000 job openings in Washington state in 2030 that are entry level and that pay a family-sustaining wage. Of those jobs, eight out of 10 will require a credential and 6 out of 10 of will be in a STEM discipline. However, Washington STEM further projects that – as of 2020 – just over 36,000 students in the high school class of 2022 were headed toward earning a post-high school credential, signifying a clear need to dramatically increase the rate at which students are pursuing a credential in our state.
“Quite simply, a postsecondary credential is essential to opening doors to rewarding jobs and opportunity in our state,” says Steve Mullin, president of Washington Roundtable, a nonprofit organization that includes senior executives from the state’s major private sector employers.
The Washington Roundtable continues to lead a multiyear effort to unite the education, government and nonprofit sectors around the pursuit of one goal: Increasing the credential attainment rate among Washington high school students to 70% by the high school class of 2030. Today, that rate sits at an estimated 41%.