Encouraging STEM education and awareness is a key factor in social and economic development. Promoting science education benefits entire communities, creating more job opportunities, spreading health and technology awareness, and fighting prevalent cultural stereotypes. 

Although STEM education benefits the whole world, it is particularly critical for developing countries. Promoting STEM education can help build communities, beginning with the building blocks of the world: students. 

Students are the future leaders of tomorrow. Allowing students to engage their scientific curiosity and supporting STEM education can change the world in many ways: 

  1. Fight gender inequality: Gender stereotypes create serious challenges for girls in the classroom, let alone STEM. According one study and Susan Brink at US News some of the world’s largest economies, in physics, computer sciences, and engineering the participation rate of women is 30 percent or less. Encouraging women to explore STEM as a serious occupation can begin to combat gender bias, and bring equality to communities around the globe. 
  2. Create more employment opportunities: Promoting STEM allows for easier employment. Several studies, including this one out of WPI, have shown a global trend of an increase in STEM-related positions, and the same is true in developing countries. Preparing students to enter the workforce is imperative for supporting developing communities, and equipping students with STEM-education widens their job opportunities and expands their professional horizons. 
  3. Uplift communities: With greater equality, more education, and steadier employment, educated people can uplift their communities one person at a time. They are more able to financially support their families, and can perpetuate a cycle of education, employment, equality, and ultimately build a healthier, safer tomorrow for all.