Communications of the ACM
Teens Are Losing Interest in Science, Survey Finds
A new survey has found that 15 percent fewer U.S. teens are interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers than were last year.
Credit: Pink Sherbert Photography/Flickr
The number of teenagers interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) dropped 15 percent this year to 46 percent, according to a survey of 1,025 teens released Wednesday by Junior Achievement USA and the ING U.S. Foundation.
The decline indicates that talent shortfalls in STEM will continue, with the U.S. Department of Labor predicting that STEM employment opportunities will rise 17 percent through 2018.
Despite the drop, STEM remained the most popular field, with public service claiming the second spot. Teens cited "passion" and "areas of interest" as top factors in guiding their career plans.
"It is crucial that we reinvigorate teens about pursuing opportunities in STEM and medical-related careers," says Junior Achievement USA's Jack E. Kosakowski. "These fields drive our economy and innovation; they are not only high-growth career paths but also creative outlets where teens can apply their passions."
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