As our nation expands its technological horizons and stretches the boundaries of what is currently feasible, we open doors to a future that is bright with promise. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are the tools required to empower that promising future. Through advances in STEM, we can solve our nation’s energy and environmental challenges, maintain American competitiveness, and usher in a new era of prosperity and sustainability.  

Reaching these new heights requires teamwork, dedication, and knowledge. It also requires a domestic workforce that is available and qualified for the jobs of the future. In 2017, The U.S. Department of Energy launched a new campaign to ensure a STEM-ready workforce, to take on the energy and environmental challenges of our future, to equip our nation for new jobs, and inspire the next generation of innovators. The initiative is STEM Rising and it’s a call to inspire, educate, and spark an upward trajectory to lifelong success through STEM.

AnneMarie Horowitz, director of the STEM Rising program, said that DOE takes its responsibility as a STEM leader seriously.

“STEM Rising is a coordinated national platform to prepare and inspire students, teachers, and the nation’s current workforce to pursue energy-related education and careers. As one of our nation’s premier science and technology entities, with nearly 40 percent of our federal workforce serving in science and technical positions, DOE has an important role to lead and encourage STEM opportunities across the country.”

The initiative comprises a wide variety of activities and events held throughout DOE’s National Laboratory system for students and educators of all ages, designed to grow the pipeline of future energy workers.  
For college students, graduates and post-graduates, the Labs offer fellowships, internships, competitions, and unique research opportunities.

For teachers, the initiative seeks to supply our nation’s educators with resources that promote energy and STEM including literature, exposure to DOE labs and sites, interaction with DOE personnel and more. 
“We realize our people and facilities are our greatest assets, and we’re inviting our nation’s educators to come experience what we love about working for the Department and what inspires our innovation,” Horowitz said.

The STEM Rising initiative is also reaching out to the nation’s workers by providing job skill development, training resources and standards, and career pathway information and hiring support for people entering the workforce.

At NETL, our scientists and researchers are proud to be a part of STEM Rising. By hosting teacher training workshops and taking science to our regional schools, NETL is getting the word out about energy-related STEM and helping to bolster enthusiasm for this important pursuit.

Lyla Haley, a first grader at Suncrest Elementary in Morgantown, W. Va., participated in one of NETL’s school visits. “We looked at lots of cool stuff I never knew about,” Lyla said. “It was neat. I told my teacher I want to learn more about coal and energy.”

It was a simple observation, but it illustrates why our scientists and engineers are mentoring future researchers in our world-class labs and leading regional workforce development efforts. Combined with the activities at our sister Labs, these activities are key to maintaining America’s energy dominance, leading home-grown energy, and planting a future of energy options that stimulate our economy, ensure our security, and protecting our health. 

Check out the STEM Rising blog and newsletter to learn more.