STEM Education Policies

Today the government released a statement in response to the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review. https://lnkd.in/gE7bSsrs As Chair of the Review I welcome the Australian Government’s comprehensive statement and acknowledge the commitment to embed equity and inclusion across its entire agenda. The acceptance, in principle, of many of the Review's 11 recommendations is a critical first step in achieving the systemic and cultural change Australia's STEM sector desperately needs. The commitment to hold grant recipients and suppliers accountable for safe and inclusive workplaces (Rec 5) is particularly powerful, ensuring public funds only support organizations dedicated to eliminating bullying and discrimination. I also applaud the major new steps to elevate First Nations Knowledges (Rec 10), notably the new $250,000 Prime Minister's Prize, and the initiatives to streamline pathways for skilled migrants (Rec 6). However, the response must now address the structural and cultural architecture required for long-term, coordinated success. The Missing Pieces: Coordination and Strategy The most critical gap remains the lack of commitment to an overarching, whole-of-government long-term strategy and to establish a dedicated Advisory Council(Rec 1). Without a strategy and a central coordinating body with expert advisors to draw from, the existing and newly funded programs risk remaining fragmented, diluting their collective impact, and failing to effectively address intersectionality—the overlapping barriers faced by diverse cohorts. Furthermore, while programs like Superstars of STEM are funded, a formal, national Communication and Outreach Strategy (Rec 11) is still missing. We must coordinate efforts to actively shift the ingrained public perception of who belongs in STEM and clearly communicate the breadth of career pathways available. The Mandate for Industry and Academia The government has activated strong levers, and now industry and academia must meet this commitment with equal urgency: - Accountability is Mandatory: Every STEM employer must immediately stop viewing safety and inclusion as optional compliance. They must adopt transparent, measurable action plans—like the Workplace Action Framework (Rec 4)—to proactively attract, retain, and promote diverse talent. - Invest in Culture: Businesses must invest in cultural transformation at every level, ensuring that diverse individuals not only enter but remain and thrive in safe working environments (Rec 3). The onus is now on all of us to ensure the spirit of this Review translates into a thriving, diverse, and world-leading Australian STEM sector. Mikaela Jade FTSE Hon Dr Parwinder Kaur MLC Tim Ayres Ed Husic MP Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering

48 out of 50 states just lost at least one critical STEM education grant. We analyzed 3,800 media stories regarding the National Science Foundation, and the warning signs are flashing red: We risk dismantling the pipeline that fuels our future workforce. The teacher shortage is a national crisis, yet we are cutting the very programs designed to strengthen it. This isn't just about funding lines; it is about the "Take Flight" curriculum, where rural middle schoolers use drones to solve real-world problems like organ transport. It is about AI-infused exhibits like NORILLA in Atlanta and Pittsburgh, which increase student problem-solving skills tenfold. It is about the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which has directed over $1.2 billion to train thousands of new teachers for our highest-need districts. For over 70 years, NSF investments have woven STEM into the fabric of daily life—from the legacy of "The Magic School Bus" to helping parents build early math skills in the grocery aisle. However, our analysis reveals a two-sided story: while innovation thrives, recent cuts are dismantling critical support systems affecting rural, suburban, and urban communities alike. How do we build learners ready for the AI era? It starts with the "quiet backbone" of our education system: the NSF. America faces a stark choice: Decisively invest in the STEM education that powers our future, or risk falling behind in an increasingly technical world. Programs that train rural coaches and build early AI-literacy and math skills are disappearing, just when we need them most to secure a resilient, independent, and secure America. We are proud to share "Broader Impacts: STEM Education," co-authored with Jeanne Century. Policymakers and the public must hear how NSF transforms communities—please amplify this report to help ensure science remains a priority.

Yesterday the House AI Taskforce released its AI report, a bipartisan effort outlining the guiding principles, recommendations, and policy proposals for the US on responsible AI innovation and adoption. It was great to see education and AI literacy be one of the major areas of focus. The report recognizes that while AI is increasingly prevalent in workplaces, there's a critical need to improve STEM education and ensure widespread AI literacy, particularly starting at the K-12 level. The Key Education & Workforce Findings: • AI is increasingly used in the workplace by both employers and employees • Fostering domestic AI talent and continued U.S. leadership will require significant improvements in basic STEM education and training - something close to my heart as a former HS biology teacher • U.S. AI leadership would be strengthened by having a more skilled technical workforce • AI adoption in America requires AI literacy • K–12 educators need resources to teach and promote AI literacy Their Education Recommendations: • Invest in K–12 STEM and AI Education and Broaden Participation • Bolster U.S. AI skills by providing needed AI resources • Develop regional expertise when supporting government-university-industry partnerships • Promote AI literacy across the U.S • Empower U.S. educators with AI training and resources • Support National Science Foundation (NSF) curricula development AI Literacy for educators is at the heart of what we do and we're excited to see its importance recognized this way. It's also amazing to see some of our EdSafe AI Alliance and Teach AI partners referenced in the report. We encourage you to check out the full report linked in the comments. AI for Education #ailiteracy #STEM #AI #responsibleAI

🇪🇺 EU Council Recommendation on Human Capital (2025) The European Commission has proposed a major Council Recommendation on Human Capital, setting the EU’s priorities for skills, education and training for 2026–2027. https://lnkd.in/dWf6wVVX Here are the key takeaways ⬇️ 🌍 Why it matters ▪️Human capital is a strategic asset for EU competitiveness, innovation and resilience. ▪️Skills shortages are a critical constraint for green, digital and industrial transitions. ▪️Education & training systems must adapt faster and more strategically. 🔑 Key Messages 1️⃣ Skills shortages across Europe ▪️Persistent gaps in health, ICT, manufacturing, construction, transport, green skills. ▪️Growing demand for AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors and renewables. ▪️Faster, more flexible pathways to skills are essential. 2️⃣ Digital & green transitions accelerate skills needs ▪️AI and decarbonisation require STEM skills at all levels, from technicians to engineers. ▪️The EU must expand capacity in VET, higher education and lifelong learning. 3️⃣ Basic skills & inclusion ▪️High levels of underachievement in maths, reading and digital literacy. ▪️Stronger focus on early learning, personalised support and tackling disadvantage. 4️⃣ VET & apprenticeships ▪️Work-based learning delivers strong outcomes — but VET still faces image and gender-balance challenges. ▪️More STEM pathways, more female participation, and stronger industry partnerships are needed. 5️⃣ Teachers & trainers ▪️Shortages across many countries, especially in STEM. ▪️Need for stronger incentives, better training, and improved career attractiveness. 6️⃣ Lifelong learning ▪️Adult learning still far below EU targets. ▪️Stronger incentives for employers and clearer, more accessible pathways for adults. 7️⃣ Investment & skills intelligence ▪️Investment gaps remain significant. ▪️Better skills forecasting, evaluation and data are critical to guide reforms. ✔️ What the EU recommends ▪️Fast-track recognition of qualifications in key sectors ▪️Boost VET and apprenticeships, especially in STEM ▪️Strengthen basic skills, digital skills and AI literacy ▪️Expand lifelong learning with support for low-skilled adults ▪️Improve teacher supply and retention ▪️Reinforce skills intelligence and evaluation ▪️Target investment toward green/digital skills infrastructure 💡 Bottom line ▪️To secure Europe’s competitiveness and inclusiveness, the EU is calling for bold, targeted and collaborative action on skills. ▪️Education and training systems must become more agile, more inclusive and more aligned with strategic industrial needs. EU Employment and Skills Cedefop Eurofound European Training Foundation EfVET European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) European Vocational Training Association - EVTA EUproVET EURASHE eucen CoP CoVEs UNESCO-UNEVOC International Labour Organization OECD Education and Skills WorldSkills International

📊 The European Commission presented its European Semester Spring Package this week! As Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu underscored, this marked a key milestone: for the first time, all Member States received targeted recommendations on education and skills as part of the #UnionOfSkills initiative launched earlier this year. 📘 23 Member States received guidance on improving basic skills and education quality 🧪 11 were advised on strengthening STEM education 👩🏫 13 received recommendations related to the teaching profession The Commission’s policy guidance places the strengthening of human capital at the core of Member States’ reform and investment strategies. Investing in education and skills is essential for Europe's long-term competitiveness, prosperity, and social cohesion. To meet both current and future challenges, we must prioritise inclusive, high-quality education and raise skill levels across all sectors. The facts speak for themselves: 📉 Basic skills are declining across the EU 🧮 Nearly a third of young Europeans struggle with basic math 💻 Around 50% of adults still lack basic digital skills 🎓 Participation in adult learning remains far below the 60% EU target for 2030 At the same time, labour and skills shortages – especially in high-skill sectors – are rising. By 2035, over half of all new jobs will require high-level qualifications. Yet Europe faces a shortage of STEM graduates, a decline in basic competencies, and mounting pressure to ensure the teaching profession remains attractive and well-supported. This year’s recommendations address these realities head-on, placing a strong focus on equipping people with the skills they need to succeed in a world of transformations. Key priorities include: ✅ Investing in lifelong learning and widening access for underserved groups ✅ Making education systems more responsive to labour market needs ✅ Enhancing the attractiveness and quality of the teaching profession ✅ Supporting underachieving pupils with targeted basic skills initiatives ✅ Prioritising STEM education to meet evolving skills demand ✅ Promoting upskilling, reskilling, and mobility across sectors and borders The Spring Package closely aligns with three forthcoming initiatives under the #UnionofSkills umbrella, namely the Action Plan on Basic Skills, the STEM Education Strategic Plan, and the EU Teachers and Trainers Agenda. Together, these reforms will provide timely and targeted support to Member States, complementing national efforts to build resilient and future-proof education systems. Europe’s strength lies in its people, and investing in skills and education is not only a social imperative, but a strategic necessity for Europe’s future. With the right reforms and targeted investments, we can unlock the full potential of Europe’s workforce and ensure that no one is left behind. 🔗 Links to the full European Semester package here: https://europa.eu/!v67JJ7

Our new publication 'Factors influencing STEM participation and effective intervention strategies' has been featured in the European Commission 'Education and Training Monitor 2025'! 👉 This ENESET Analytical report, co-authored with Jaime Polanco-Jimenez, identifies evidence-based factors influencing STEM choices and evaluates effective interventions. 👉 Grounded in causal evidence and aligned with EU policy priorities, this analysis identifies the profiles and motivations of those who pursue STEM pathways and evaluates the effectiveness of policy measures aimed at increasing STEM participation. 👉 The findings of our literature review show that choices depend on early influences (family support, engaging schooling), psychological factors (competitiveness, self-efficacy, STEM perceptions), and post-secondary experiences (e.g., professor role models). While evidence strength varies, interventions targeting parental information (STEM utility), enhancing role model exposure, and implementing integrated curricula show promise. Despite identifying effective strategies, gaps remain in EU-specific causal research and cost-effectiveness data. Critically, systemic factors are paramount: EU higher education funding models must recognize STEM's higher costs to ensure adequate supply, and improving pathways from Vocational Education and Training (VET) to STEM degrees offers a key opportunity to broaden the talent pool. 👉 This report provides targeted policy recommendations for the EU and its Member States to foster a larger, more diverse STEM workforce, noting the value of context-specific case studies. 👉 Read the publication at: https://lnkd.in/eZs_EzXT