Bridging the Creativity and STEM Crisis

Abstract

International economic competition, visa restrictions after the 911 attack, Baby Boomer retirees, and students loss of focus have already begun to threaten American economic growth and stability by reducing the available pool of creativity workers, such as engineers, researchers, programmers, etc. Many countries are developing centers of research that are attracting the best workers, who at one time flocked to America to participate in the technology revolution. These foreign workers filled the gap for creativity workers that America's educational systems were unable to produce. A shortage of trained creativity workers can result in a long term reduction of innovations and loss of the technical cutting edge that will impact growth and jobs for many years. American youth have become less creative in the past twenty years, impacting the numbers who are focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Finding ways to foster creativity growth in students, can increase interest in STEM and prepare some to enter STEM careers. However, schools cannot alone generate significant interest in STEM topics. The use of Technology Competitions can provide constructive environments where students can solve challenging complex open ended problems with the guidance of adult mentors from STEM fields. The For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition is one of the best examples of a Technology Competition.