Investing in STEMM: Building the Next 75 Years of American Prosperity
STEMM is the foundation of America’s economic prosperity. It touches every part of daily life, from the smartphones we use to the food we eat and the clothes we wear. A thriving science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) workforce is essential to the health of our economy, our global competitiveness and our national well-being.
On May 10, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) marks 75 years of fueling scientific discovery, technological advancement and economic opportunity. This milestone honors not only the breakthroughs that have shaped our world, but the people—across a range of industries and education levels—who bring innovation to life every day. As we look to the next 75 years, one thing is clear: sustaining American prosperity means expanding and supporting the full breadth of the STEMM workforce.
Today, STEMM is far more than high-tech labs and advanced degrees. It’s a dynamic ecosystem that encompasses a wider, robust workforce critical to America’s current and future economic vitality. From health care to construction, from advanced manufacturing to data science, millions of Americans perform STEMM work that underpins the nation’s economy.
The latest STEMM economic impact analysis from Science is US illustrates just how pervasive STEMM jobs are: there are nearly 74 million STEMM professionals in the U.S. workforce. They account for 39% of the nation’s GDP and $11 trillion in direct STEMM economic activity. Notably, more than half (53%) of these professionals do not hold a bachelor’s degree, reflecting a STEMM workforce built on diverse skills, experiences and pathways.
A technician in a cleanroom, a licensed practical nurse at a clinic, an ironworker on a bridge, an electrician on a launchpad are all part of America’s STEMM present and future. This reality challenges outdated assumptions about who contributes to STEMM and how. If we are to fully harness the potential of NSF-supported research and innovation, we must broaden our definition of the STEMM workforce and invest in various pathways that connect people to quality jobs.
The next 75 years of STEMM excellence will depend on how we value and invest in the full spectrum of talent that makes discovery possible. Supporting these professionals is not optional—it’s essential to America’s continued success.