Enrollment Trends in STEM Fields

US and UK research suggests that a surge in international student enrollment can produce two contrasting effects on domestic student enrollment: crowding out and cross-subsidization. The crowding-out effect pertains to the possibility that a substantial increase in international students could diminish the enrollment of domestic students if certain institutions or programs lack the necessary capacity expansion to accommodate both groups effectively. Conversely, cross-subsidization occurs when higher tuition fees collected from international students provide the resources needed to sustain or expand instructional programs, potentially aiding in offsetting the expenses incurred for domestic students. A study by Statistics Canada, https://lnkd.in/ec7n42BN examines whether the rise in international student enrollment is correlated with an upturn in domestic student enrollment across publicly funded Canadian postsecondary institutions spanning the academic years from 2010/2011 to 2019/2020. The findings reveal that an influx of 100 international students in STEM fields led to a corresponding increase of 141 domestic student enrollments in the same fields at universities. Similarly, a boost in enrollment by 100 international students in business, humanities, health, arts, social science, and education programs was associated with 99 additional domestic students enrolling in these programs at colleges. These results are in line with the notion of cross-subsidization.

Sharing an update on my earlier post that highlighted increased enrollment in SEMICONDUCTOR-RELATED COURSE ENROLLMENT at the University of Michigan. I've expanded the graph to include more senior-level classes, specifically EECS 427 "VLSI Design I" and EECS 470 "Computer Architecture". These two classes are capstone courses, taking students 3-4 semesters of preliminary coursework to clear all the prerequisites for those. The additional data suggests that these upper-level courses are growing their enrollments as well. In trying to pinpoint what are the roots of these upward enrollment trends in the semiconductor-related classes, I believe there are two key effects at work. First, the US Chips Act and related semiconductor activities at UofM and nationally are increasing the visibility of the sector and drawing students into the field. Activities like the "Michigander Scholars in Semiconductors" program, supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the TAT (Talent Action Team), promote the development of a network between employers and future employees in this space, including scholarships for students pursuing careers in semiconductors within our State. The Michigander Scholar program is just one example of the growing pool of initiatives that are motivating highly qualified students to pursue education that prepares them to join the semiconductor workforce. The second effect is a small but perceivable downward trend in computer science enrollment and job demand that seems to promote a shift of attention towards semiconductor-related fields. This is a newly emerging trend, which may be related not only to the softening of the software industry job market but also to potential fears of AI automation in the software field. #universityofmichigan #goblue #semiconductors #computerarchitecture #michigan

What I thought CNC machines looked like when I first heard the term (which wasn't until I was a senior in high school)🤖⚙️ That was over 30 years ago. And for most kids today, really not much has changed either. With some notably cool exceptions, most schools provide little to zero exposure to the real world of manufacturing and engineering. And despite billions spent on youth STEM awareness programs, the situation is WORSE than ever 👉 student interest has DECLINED (especially for girls). Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-related fields are expected to increase 11 percent between 2022 and 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But in order to fill those jobs, a new study from the research firm Gallup and nonprofit Walton Family Foundation suggests that schools need to do more to increase student exposure to STEM career opportunities and core concepts. According to the study, titled Voices of Gen Z: Perspectives on STEM Education and Careers, only 29 percent of students born between 1997 and 2012 (Generation Z) cite STEM jobs as their first career choices. The survey found that lack of exposure to STEM subjects and opportunities — particularly among female Gen Z students — is partly to blame for the statistical disconnect, and that students who are exposed to a higher number of STEM topics in middle and high school are more than twice as likely to pursue a STEM job or STEM major in college. One such point is the fact that as students progress through their schooling, they become less interested in STEM. In high school alone, 60% of girls who were interested in STEM as a freshman are no longer interested by graduation. Support is critical, especially in the middle school and high school years where self-perceptions are being solidified. Girls who received encouragement from their teachers saw a 25% higher chance of exploring a STEM pathway through high school and into career or college. Fact: Starting STEM education early is crucial because it taps into children's natural curiosity and their developmental stage of rapid learning. According to research, 92% of boys and 97% of girls will lose interest in STEM learning if they are not immersed before 5th grade. 52% of Americans don’t pursue STEM because they perceive that it is “too hard”; and for many individuals perception is reality. 80% of students make a conscious decision by 8th grade whether they think they are good at math and science. But it’s important to note this decision is based on their perceptions of math and science and not their own ability. These are misconceptions that are embedded in our culture, that math is hard, and science is for the “smart” kids. However, seeing is believing. We need to help students see that STEM is beyond content. It’s about using creativity, critical thinking, and other skills to solve real problems and bring change to the world. #manufacturing #aerospace #STEM #education