Addressing the STEM Pipeline Problem

The STEM pipeline is the educational pathway for students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, beginning in early education and extending to graduation or a career in the field.

The pipeline metaphor is based on the idea that there needs to be a sufficient input of youth and students introduced to STEM and retained as they complete their education for a sufficient output of graduates and people to make up the STEM workforce.

The leaky pipeline metaphor represents how women, FLI, BIPOC, and other marginalized groups become underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields.

How can we repair the leaks in the STEM pipeline?

• Introduce more children (especially from underrepresented backgrounds) to STEM
• Showcase role models in the field from diverse backgrounds
• Foster conversation
• Uplift each other and build community
• Learn from mistakes
• Diversify leadership
• Make spaces in academia and industry more welcoming and inclusive

Where does Rediscover STEAM come in?

Rediscover STEAM aims to help address the STEM pipeline problem by shedding light on the history of gender minorities in STEM and the arts while making an active effort to highlight figures of different races, ethnicities, cultures, sexualities, religions, socioeconomic levels, etc. By sharing stories from a diverse set of backgrounds, it is our hope that everyone can find someone whose experiences and identity resonate with them.