Why STEM Matters to CRE

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-STEM job growth outpaces non-STEM job growth by more than 300%, according to the Department of Commerce. STEM-related careers remain in-demand among San Bernardino County business and labor organizations in a variety of areas, including advance manufacturing, transportation and logistics, aviation and healthcare. The challenge for all of us is to support the programs that will continue to build the workforce we need now and in the future. 

For the commercial real estate industry, acknowledging the valuable role of STEM education is critical to future economic prosperity and job creation. STEM jobs and industries go far in filling vacant office and industrial buildings as well as driving demand for new development.

The Alliance for Education is San Bernardino County's premier partnership between businesses and education communities, fostering STEM learning both in and out of the classroom. From kindergarten through college, students and their families, educators and businesses make an equal investment and commitment to achieve the goal of producing an educated and skilled workforce that ensures economic well-being. There are already a number of strong examples of this program at work.

Real-world work experiences are created for students at Chino Hills High School throughthe Health Science Academy, a Regional Occupational Program that combines with traditional academic studies and emerging STEM courses. Students hear from experts in health sciences and participate in hands-on education from Chemistry and English. Students then participate in internships at Pomona Valley Medical Center, Chino Valley Medical Center, Smith College, and the University of La Verne. Upon graduation, students are accepted into technical programs through university programs with many electing to pursue health care careers.

The manufacturing industry sector is a significant economic engine, yet the industry suffers from an ongoing shortage of skilled workers. To address labor market needs, Kelly Space and Technology Inc., and the San Bernardino County Regional Occupational Program joined forces with the County's Workforce Development department to develop Technical Employment Training Inc. to provide manufacturing trades education and hands on skills to train and prepare a manufacturing skilled workforce. Technical Employment Training Inc., is now a model for what can occur when business, education, and workforce development work together.

The stakes are high to ensure that the gap between workforce preparation and demand for skilled candidates doesn't widen. STEM is the linchpin to ensure our workforce keeps pace with innovations and competes on a global scale. As our Alliance for Education demonstrates, we must engage students early on developing STEM awareness with relevant learning experiences that keep students focused on achievement. Furthermore, we must all collectively advocate for STEM curriculum in our local schools so that we can better safeguard our economic future for the long term.

Mary Jane Olhasso is the economic development administrator of the Economic Development Agency for the County of San Bernardino. The views expressed in this column are the author's own.