The growing demand for a STEM-educated workforce is undeniable, but both Kentucky and the broader U.S. are grappling with significant challenges in student performance and engagement in these fields. This situation has led to a shortage of skilled talent in areas critical to economic growth and innovation. To address this, our programs, events, and outreach efforts are designed to ignite interest in STEM subjects among local youth, helping to close the gap between academic performance and real-world demand for STEM skills.

By introducing students to exciting, hands-on learning experiences and providing access to industry experts and resources, we not only inspire curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and math but also create a direct pipeline for future talent. This talent pool is essential for the continued success and growth of businesses, especially in Kentucky, where STEM-related industries play a vital role in the local economy.

Our deep-rooted history of collaboration with STEM employers and educators allows us to effectively guide and support students as they explore career paths. These partnerships enable us to offer mentorship, internships, and other opportunities that connect classroom learning to practical, real-world applications. As a result, we are uniquely positioned to shape the next generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who will drive technological advancements and meet the future workforce needs of businesses across the region.

Ultimately, by fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring that students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in STEM careers, we are contributing to the long-term economic stability and global competitiveness of Kentucky.

Drones are revolutionizing industries by providing efficient, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to real-world challenges. In agriculture, drones equipped with multispectral cameras and sensors help farmers monitor crop health, optimize irrigation, and detect pests or diseases early, leading to higher yields and reduced resource waste. In disaster response, drones are deployed to assess damage, locate survivors, and deliver essential supplies in areas that may be unsafe or inaccessible for human responders. Their ability to quickly capture aerial data and operate in hazardous conditions makes them invaluable for improving safety and decision-making.

Beyond emergency response and agriculture, drones are transforming industries such as infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and logistics. Utility companies use drones to inspect power lines, pipelines, and bridges, reducing the need for risky manual inspections. Conservationists deploy drones to track wildlife populations, prevent poaching, and monitor deforestation in remote areas. In logistics, major companies are testing drone deliveries to improve last-mile shipping efficiency, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach locations. As drone technology continues to evolve, its applications will expand, offering new ways to enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability across multiple sectors.

Mission

To promote STEM excellence in our K-12 schools.

Vision

Inspiring the future of a STEM ready workforce.

Priorities

1. Provide a greater understanding of STEM Forward purposes to stakeholders and increase utilization of resources.

2. Develop more partnerships and relationships that add value for STEM Forward stakeholders.

3. Deliver value by creating opportunities and promoting experiences that connect stakeholders with resources to engage students in STEM education.

Why STEM?

America’s national innovation base depends more than ever on a strong, cross-sector collaboration around common STEM education interests and goals—a STEM ecosystem—that can provide all Americans with access to high-quality STEM education throughout their lifetimes. Establishing a path to basic STEM literacy for everyone is vital to preparing a diverse workforce needed for the United States to lead and prosper in an increasingly competitive world driven by advanced technology.

STEM education has been evolving from a convenient clustering of four overlapping disciplines toward a more cohesive knowledge base and skill set critical for the economy of the 21st century. The best STEM education provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning, where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world applications and students use STEM in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the wider world. Leaders in STEM education continue to broaden and deepen its scope and further transcend the fields of study beyond just a combination of the four disciplines to include the arts and humanities. Modern STEM education imparts not only skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, higher order thinking, design, and inference, but also behavioral competencies such as perseverance, adaptability, cooperation, organization, and responsibility.

https://www.stemforward.org/

What Jobs Are in the STEM field?

Each STEM field offers many different specializations. For example, students interested in science can pursue programs in biology and chemistry, while aspiring engineers can explore fields like electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Each specialization offers unique challenges and areas of expertise, which can help students determine their career path. Students interested in theoretical physics, for example, may be better served focusing on mathematics rather than engineering.

STEM Career Outlook

The outlook for careers with a STEM degree differs depending on each worker's education and location. Readers should always research specific careers to learn more about their job outlook and potential salary.

For example, life, physical, and social sciences professionals can expect to earn median annual salaries that range from $41,970 for agricultural and food science technicians to $128,950 for physicists and astronomers. Additionally, median annual salaries for computer and information technology professions range from $55,510 for computer support specialists to $126,830 for computer and information research scientists.

Meanwhile, median annual salaries for architecture and engineering professionals range from $46,200 for surveying and mapping technicians to $137,330 for petroleum engineers.

Note that lower-paying jobs tend to only require an associate degree, whereas more lucrative opportunities often require a graduate degree.