Kids today need to learn so many things that their parents might not have learned as children. As our society continually advances in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), adults face new and unique problems. As a result, we need both present and future solutions. Teaching our children how to solve these issues through STEM programs benefits the next generation, our world and our future. 

Why STEM Programs Are So Critical

Educating youngsters in critical thinking skills accomplishes three things. First, it ensures they can predict and observe problems before they occur. Second, it helps them find answers to questions that need answering. Third, it aids them in making changes that make everyone’s lives better and easier. That’s what KidzToPros’ STEM programs are all about!

During our lifetime, technology changes drastically. For example, look around you. How many of the things you see existed 10, 20 or 30 years ago? If they did exist back then, how much have they changed?

STEM programs help kids adapt to these kinds of changes. They teach students to look at what works and what doesn’t, and make changes accordingly. They also teach youngsters new skills that, based on what they already know, add to what they are able to contribute to the world around them. 

As adults age, we find it harder to learn and process new things. But that is not normally true for young people. Their brains are more open, receptive and resilient to new thoughts and ideas. The secret to training them in areas like STEM is doing it while they’re young!

STEM Programs: 8 Reasons to Get Your Kids Involved

If you’re still on the fence about training your children in STEM, we’ve got eight great reasons to convince you otherwise. Even if they’re not bent toward technology, it’s important for all children to get some basic training in these areas. 

Here’s how learning STEM subjects might help your kids. 

#1: Prepare for a High-Tech Future

According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, over the past 10 years, STEM jobs grew three times faster than non-STEM jobs. By giving children the advantage of learning and using high-tech while they’re young, they become more adaptable to future challenges. They can solve problems with the skills they learned in STEM programs and apply them in real-life situations, including jobs.

#2: Increase Critical Thinking Skills

STEM education provides students with a well-rounded foundation of skills to help them understand a wide range of concepts and thrive in many industries. By expanding on what kids learn in school, STEM programs teach them how to think critically – and how to apply reasoning to get the best possible outcome, regardless of the problem.

#3: Connect People of All Cultures

To get kids involved in STEM, they need to be able to see in themselves the potential to pursue STEM interests and careers – regardless of culture or background. STEM programs make this happen for all kinds of students, as together they learn how to program, code, design and build to meet society’s needs. 

At summer camps and after-school programs, culturally diverse groups of students become technologically literate. They learn about present and past leaders from different cultures who’ve made a difference in our world, which inspires and propels them toward their own greatness in fields where everyone has an equal opportunity.

#4: Make Learning Exciting & Fun

If you’ve never had the opportunity to watch kids experiment and learn in an exploratory environment, you’re really missing out! They often get so engrossed in what they’re doing that they don’t even notice what’s going on around them. 

At STEM programs like KidzToPros’, students have a blast planning, building and refining projects that either make the status quo better or spark an interest in creating something completely new. Either way, you’ll often see a glint in their eyes and a smile on their faces when they figure out what works and realize that they did it!

#5: Create Opportunities for Economic Advancement

As the market for STEM job opportunities grows, so also does the potential for economic advancement in the U.S. According to the United States Department of Education, job growth, employment rates, patenting, wages and exports are all higher in more STEM-based economies. With more money flowing through the economy due to STEM-related occupations, future programmers, coders and engineers who’ve been educated in STEM fields stand to profit hugely.

#6: Open the Door for College Grants & Scholarships

The cost of college has become a major barrier for many students and their parents interested in pursuing an education in STEM. However, many colleges offer generous STEM scholarships and research grant options to applicants who demonstrate an interest in STEM fields. Therefore, starting kids on the path to enjoying STEM subjects when they are young may help reduce the cost of college later.

#7: Promote Innovation

Getting involved in STEM programs at the elementary and middle school levels can open doors for real innovation, which may lead to the start of something much bigger later in life. Consider these 10 STEM innovators who changed the world – and know that your children could be creators, builders or inventors, just like them! These unique individuals used their critical thinking skills to make a difference in the lives of others, just as KidzToPros encourages youngsters to do at after-school clubs and summer camps.

#8: Teach the Art of Collaboration

No man is an island, as they say. The more kids learn to work together, the more everyone benefits. With STEM programs as a base, young people grow in intelligence, learn to think outside the box, and encourage one another to grow and take risks. They learn what is, and then begin to contemplate with peers what could be. With each child contributing their own unique talents and skills to the group, everyone comes together with fresh, new ideas to improve upon present innovations or create something amazing! 

Preparing the Next Generation for Success

STEM-based education teaches kids so much more than basic science and math. By focusing on hands-on learning with real-world application, students develop creativity and 21st-century skillsets that carry benefits for a lifetime.

STEM programs are becoming more and more essential with the passing of time. Don’t let your kids get left behind! KidzToPros has dozens of affordable after-school programs that help prepare them for a happy and successful future. All it takes is a few minutes. Don’t they deserve that? 

Enroll your kids in an after-school STEM program now!