Cogent | Blog | Diversity in STEM: How does it impact the US economy?

Our everyday lives have been transformed by the ever-evolving field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Over the years, it has helped us better understand the world.Whether it is innovating wind-powered cars, predicting natural disasters, or simply your Netflix recommendations, the field of STEM impacts us every day in small or big ways.Education, employment, research, and innovation in STEM are changing our lives.As more aspects of our lives, from toothbrushes to Tesla, are driven by technology, employment in STEM has naturally grown rapidly. In the US, STEM jobs have grown 79% since 1990. The growth rate of STEM occupations has been 2X higher than non-STEM occupations.STEM contributes to 69% of the US GDP and $2.3 trillion in federal tax revenue.However, despite powering the US economy and growth in employment, there is currently a lack of diversity in STEM.Then, What is the cost of such a lack of diversity in STEM Education?A lack of diversity hinders the STEM work...