Hi, everyone who comes across this blog! My name is Brianna Lockwood and I am trying to encourage today's youth to become more interested in STEM. STEM is the acronym for the educational subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Today’s students, especially females and minorities, tend to avoid STEM subjects because of low interest in them or they may have previously struggled in these subjects in high school. However, this interest of learning and advancing in these subjects can be beneficial to an individual and help others. I plan to encourage students, my community, and possibly around the state, to engage in these branches of study because they can provide rewarding jobs, are an exciting and in growing field, and could possibly help the United States.

The United States is lacking in science and math compared to the rest of the world. Currently we are ranked 27th in math and 20th in science. To raise these numbers, we as a society need to educate children at a younger age that STEM subjects are fun and exciting. If we encourage children that, then they are more likely to engage and pursue a career in these subjects.  Currently, there are programs through the government and other organizations to make sure STEM education is a priority within schools. My ultimate goal would be to be a part of the STEM Education Coalition because of their outstanding efforts. The company is trying to raise awareness to Congress, the Administration, and other organizations about the critical role that STEM Education has in the country.

Until that day comes, it is my goal to promote science at the elementary and middle school level. I will do this by visiting local schools’ science classes, sharing my enthusiasm and passion for this important subject. Not only will I be discussing the critical role of science, I will conduct science-based projects with them each month as well. Additionally, I will be running this blog about STEM-related topics.

This topic also deals with stereotypes. The stereotypical girl or minority would not be interested in these challenging fields. By encouraging girls and other kids in general, that they can achieve anything in these fields it will encourage them to step out of the crowd and prove the stereotype is wrong.