REFERENCE TITLE: STEM careers; education; supporting

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-third Legislature Second Regular Session 2018

SCR 1028

Introduced by Senator Yee

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

expressing a commitment to support greater science, technology, engineering and mathematics opportunities in the state of Arizona.

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, according to a January 2017 United States Bureau of Labor Statistics report entitled "STEM Occupations: Past, Present, and Future," there were nearly 8.6 million science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs in May 2015, representing 6.2% of the United States employment; and

Whereas, the national average wage for all STEM occupations, $87,570, is nearly double the national average wage of $45,700 for non‑STEM occupations; and

Whereas, while employment in non-STEM occupations grew by 5.2% between May 2009 and May 2015, employment in STEM occupations grew by 10.5% during that same period; and

Whereas, between May 2009 and May 2015, over 800,000 net STEM jobs were added to the United States economy; and

Whereas, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, "[e]conomic projections point to a need for approximately 1 million more STEM professionals than the U.S. will produce at the current rate over the next decade if the country is to retain its historical preeminence in science and technology," and supporting individuals in STEM careers is essential if the United States is to achieve this goal; and

Whereas, women remain particularly underrepresented in STEM education and careers.  Women, who represent 47% of the overall workforce, comprise only 29% of STEM-related occupation.  Likewise, women earn only 19% of bachelor's degrees in engineering, 18% of bachelor's degrees in computer sciences and 39% of bachelor's degrees in physics; and

Whereas, vocational education and career and technical education provide critical educational foundations for students who wish to pursue certain STEM careers; and

Whereas, shortages currently exist in Arizona in both the number of STEM instructors and the number of workers to fill STEM positions statewide; and

Whereas, there is a need for greater STEM training in this state, including more internships in STEM‑related areas to better prepare knowledgeable, skilled students to transition into the workforce; and

Whereas, in Arizona, STEM‑related instructors who are experts in their fields can bring crucial workforce experience to their classroom through alternative pathways to teaching.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

1.  That the Members of the Legislature express a commitment to supporting greater opportunities for STEM education and STEM careers in the State of Arizona.

2.  That the Members of the Legislature recognize entrepreneurial programs in the State of Arizona that are aimed at supporting women in technology.