[April 03, 2011] EDITORIAL: STEM: Brave new world Tweet Apr 03, 2011 (The Charleston Gazette - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Senior West Virginians may feel baffled by the computer-driven, high-tech, cyber-savvy world that is engulfing them. Old blue-collar industries like coal and chemicals are fading -- overtaken by biometrics, computer-imaging, genetic engineering, cyber security, digital literacy and such strange new fields. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) is a label applied to the emerging realm that will drive much of the future economy and create successful careers. An Associated Press analysis recounted this example: Derek Gregg grew up in Barbour County, became fascinated by computers, and took a Marshall University class that changed his life. He and fellow student Justin Swick were required to build a machine to mass-produce DNA sequences. After graduation, the two founded a Huntington biotechnology firm, Vandalia Research, which now sells "forensic kits" that spark science interest in high school students. Mark Julian of the state Development Office said such prodding is long overdue, adding: "This is not new. In 1983, the U.S. Department of Education's report 'A Nation at Risk' concluded that America's students and its future workers were falling behind. Industrial jobs were fading, and new jobs demanding new skills were on the rise. Even today, headlines announce that despite high unemployment and heavy turnout for openings, employers say they continue to have trouble finding workers qualified to fill positions." West Virginia's old "smokestack" era didn't prepare youths sufficiently for the Brave New World involving biotechnology, "innovative polymers" and sundry brainpower jobs. "More than ever, education is the gateway to employment," Julian said. "There are good jobs available in this country and this state -- if you have the right education, training and experience. Most of these jobs will require a two-year college degree at least." Cabell County schools joined Project Lead the Way, a national program that teaches students skills such as the basics of engineering and design, and how to sketch and use computer software. They also learn digital electronics. "It is just the basics of how every little electronic gadget works -- how computers communicate with the binary system, how to wire up circuits and how the gadgets like cellphones work," said Ashlie Bailey, Project Lead the Way teacher at Huntington and Cabell Midland high schools. Three of her Midland students, Andy Thomas, Cody Legge and Ryan Riedel, won the statewide Real World Design Challenge two consecutive years. "We're trying to stay up-to-date and compete in the world economy, and engineering is a huge part of that, whether genetic or mechanical or electrical," she said. "The kids and I will go onto Monster.com from time to time to see what kinds of jobs are available. ... There are tons of engineering jobs posted online because there just aren't enough people to fill them." The AP analysis noted that West Virginia's community college system is preparing two $15 million "advanced technology centers," one at the South Charleston Technology Park and one in north-central West Virginia, both scheduled to open next year. Oldsters may not understand the remarkable occupations that are developing -- but families should push their children toward STEM learning that will rule much of the future. To see more of The Charleston Gazette, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.wvgazette.com. Copyright (c) 2011, The Charleston Gazette, W.Va. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]