Elevate STEM Education Golf Tournament

PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) MATH LITERACY RANKINGS FOR 15 YEAR OLD STUDENTS

With all the breakthroughs and accomplishments the United States has had in the fields of science and technology, you would think we were at the top of the scale when it comes to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Studies show that the US has consistently been falling in rankings and if this continues, how can we compete with other nations?

It is recognized that the future health of the U.S. economy hinges in large part on our education system’s ability to prepare students for STEM careers.

When you look at New Mexico compared to the rest of the nation, the outlook is even bleaker. NM has been rated 46th, far below average, in Math & Science education.

At the same time, Albuquerque has been rated #4 in the Best Cities for STEM Workers because of the more than 22,000 STEM-related jobs, easily the most of any city on this list. Those jobs offer a median salary of $81,617, which is nearly twice the overall median income for the city. New Mexico is underproducing STEM graduates for the state’s high-tech industries. STEM degree awards in the state are not keeping up with the growth of STEM jobs, according to a 2016 report from the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee.

On average, high-tech industry will have 4,600 new STEM job openings per year in New Mexico, and the state is only producing 2,600 STEM graduates per year. STEM industries contribute to the New Mexico economy, but finding a large enough workforce remains a concern for employers in the state.

How can you make a difference?

One of the missions of the Professional Aerospace Contractors Association of New Mexico (PACA) is to increase the awareness and raise funds for STEM education. Each year PACA distributes several thousand dollars to each of the three major New Mexico universities in support of STEM activities.

This year, PACA is launching the Elevate STEM Education Golf Tournament at the Tanoan Country Club on September 30th. 100% of the funds collected from this golf tournament will increase STEM education funding from elementary school through college.

Please join us in this effort by becoming a sponsor or forming a team to participate in the PACA Elevate STEM Education. More information can be found by contacting Kit Carman at kit.carman@pacanm.org or 505-236-8942.