The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

“Year Up’s mission is to close the opportunity divide by providing urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education.”

Year Up’s founder Gerald Chertavian, is an Armenian-American social entrepreneur who recognized that there was a huge divide between the opportunities and the number of youth who were prepared to work in our increasingly technical work world.

Founded in 2000 Year Up is a one-year intensive education and professional job training program for urban young adults (age 18-24).  The program combines hands-on skill development, college credits, and corporate internships.  During the first six months, participants focus on skill mastery in Desktop Support/IT Help Desk, Quality Assurance, or Investment Operations. In addition to technical skill development, Year Up participants also work on professional skills required in a corporate workplace, such as effective communication, leadership, and teamwork. Students are placed in internships during the second six months with partner companies.

Started with just 22 students in Boston, the program has served over 4000 students around the country. With corporate partners such as Google, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, AOL, Aon, Domino Sugar, AutoTrader, CVS Caremark, Microsoft, NASA, Red Cross, Time Warner, Wells Fargo and Zynga, just to name a few, Year Up develops skills and matches students for internships and permanent placement.

The outcomes are rather impressive. 84% of Year Up graduates are either employed or in college full time 4 months after completing the program.

I learned about Year Up from one of the current students who lives in Maryland. Canaan Walker is 19 years old and admittedly did not perform very well in high school.  “I had to overcome limitations I was putting on myself”, Canaan shared candidly in a recent interview. “In Year Up I am finding myself, what I love to do and I am excited every morning that I get up to go to the program on the campus of NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College)”. As a matter of fact in March Canaan received an award for perfect attendance. This is particularly significant because Canaan takes the Metro daily from his home in Maryland to the Northern Virginia.

Canaan exudes focus, excitement and high hopes when he talks about Year Up.  He was recommended to the program by a high school counselor and he says it is just perfect for him.  He admits that Year Up is rigorous and requires you to follow the rules. The program is very strict about attendance, earning good grades and showing overall dedication and commitment.

Canaan shared that you start with 200 points and are held accountable for obeying the rules of the program relative to dress code, professionalism and proper behavior such as showing respect. “If you lose too many points, you can be kicked out”, he declared. Additionally, you have to maintain at least a C average in each class to remain in the program.

At this point, Canaan is within the first six months and admits to struggling a bit with the technical training. “We have to actually assemble a computer so that we understand the hardware, software and operating systems.  It is hard but I love it,” he enthusiastically offered.  Students also learn to use programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

In the area of professional skills, Canaan is working on how to manage his personal finances, business communications and the intangible aspects of being successful in the workplace by learning more about himself. “We learned about the Johari window which I found fascinating because it helped me to think about things that I don’t know about myself and how I might be perceived by other people.”

Canaan, an accomplished writer of prose and poetry, has a keen desire to pursue a career in game development.

Year Up proclaims it is a hand up, not a hand out.  This is one outstanding example of the many programs that are designed to bridge the skill gap.  It is truly a win-win.

Kudos to Year Up and we at LTAW wish Canaan Walker all the best. He is a wonderful role model and a testament that you can turn your life around with a hand up!

Getting to Know STEM!

Year Up Logo image courtesy of yearup.org

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

I am a woman. I have a degree in computer science and a degree in electrical engineering. So what wonderful, exciting, glamorous engineering job am I working at today? I’m not. I’m no longer working in the technology / engineering field. And, believe it or not, I’m not an anomaly. In the US, only 26% of women with STEM degrees actually work in STEM jobs. Working as a female in a STEM field can sometimes be very challenging.

Even though more women are entering science and technology, they are also more likely to leave the industry in their mid-thirties when they are well trained and of great value to the organization. A Harvard Business Review report found that over time, in the US, 52% of women leave science and technology jobs. The reasons women leave their STEM career for something else is because of hostility, isolation, work styles and conditions. The same report cited the following key reasons women leave STEM:

1. Hostility in the workplace
2. Isolation associated with being the only woman on a team
3. Difference in work styles between men and women
4. “Extreme” jobs with long work weeks
5. “Mystery” around what it takes to advance

So what can be done about this situation? There are a lot of programs devoted to getting girls interested in STEM, which I think is great! We definitely need to continue the work to spark interest in this field with young girls. We also need to focus on those women who are working in STEM and making sure they do not experience one of the five situations listed above. If you are a woman in a STEM career dealing with one of the five issues above, here’s what you can do:

1. Hostility in the workplace: Hostility can take many forms from little micro-inequities to downright harassment. In male dominated environments, there can be resentment to the need to be more careful with language, protocol on business trips, etc.  It is best to first be aware of the differences and to be willing to have open, honest and respectful dialogue about how you feel. The key is to be in an environment where you have the ability to do your best work…where you feel valued and respected.  Many companies have training programs to help managers create inclusive environments.  Hopefully your leaders are receiving this type of training.
2. Being the only woman on a team: Last year we wrote a post about what to do when you’re the only woman on a team full of men. Some of the tips offered to help a woman cope with that  situation included speaking up about what bothers you and establishing boundaries at the outset.
3. Difference in work styles: Work style differences between men and women exist in any field. It’s just a given…men and women are wired differently and therefore are going to have different work styles. Don’t minimize your differences or try to act more like your male counterpart thinking that it will help you get ahead. In the end, you will likely feel worse because you are not being true to who you are. Instead, have a dialogue about the differences.
4. “Extreme” jobs with long work weeks: Negotiate with your manager a work schedule that is suitable for you. Nowadays more and more organizations are recognizing the importance of flexible work schedules and work life balance. So it may be easier to find the balance that you need, while still making a valuable contribution to the team.
5. “Mystery” around what it takes to advance: Ask more questions. Seek out someone that you trust, who is in a higher position, that can be a mentor and you can discuss with them what they did to advance and any advice they have for you. Also, talk with your boss about what stretch assignments he or she would suggest to help you gain some of the skills you’d need to move up in your career.

We need more women in STEM but we also need more inclusive work environments that foster growth and development for women.

Getting to Know STEM!

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

There seems to be a lot of buzz about the demand for STEM workers. As a result, many of us probably have some assumptions that “demand” for workers translates to “more money.”

A recent Georgetown study found that pay for those in STEM fields is high, and it continues to increase. People who major in STEM for undergraduate studies make nearly $500,000 more over their lifetimes than non-STEM majors. In fact, STEM workers have a pay advantage at nearly every level:

• For workers with a high school education or less, over 75% of those who are STEM workers make more than the average for the group;
• For workers with an Associate’s degree, 66% of those who are STEM workers make more than the average for the group;
• For workers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, over half of those who are STEM workers make more than the average for the group.

All of this sounds promising for those with a STEM education. However, future workforce projections indicate that worker shortages will not arise in traditional STEM jobs. Instead, the need will be for workers with STEM competencies in non-STEM areas. According to the study, STEM majors can earn more over their lifetime in non-STEM careers, especially in Professional and Business Services and Healthcare Services. In addition, while overall employment in industries like Manufacturing, Mining, and Utilities and Transportation is decreasing, technological changes in these fields require those who survive to have STEM competencies.

So, can you make more money in STEM? It depends on if you’re talking about the competency or the job. For those with proven STEM competencies, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

(And for those who are curious about what STEM competencies are, watch for an upcoming blog – “STEM Skills – Not Just For STEM Careers.”)

Getting to Know STEM!