One of the best ways high school students can prepare for the future is by developing strong skills and experience in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts — or STEAM.
STEAM-focused education helps students build key skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, and can help them be better prepared for college and the workforce.
Here’s what you need to know about the growing impact of STEAM education today and how you can benefit from a STEAM program in your academic journey.
STEM vs. STEAM — What’s the Difference?
STEM
Before STEAM, there was STEM: education rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In the 1990s, these areas of study were prioritized to prepare students for a more technological future. STEM-focused education was also developed as a way for the U.S. to keep up with other countries already ahead in science, math, and technical education.
Recognizing the importance of STEM education, in 2009, President Barack Obama created the “Educate to Innovate” campaign, which released more than $260 million in public-private investments, with the goal of accelerating students’ achievements in science and math during the next 10 years.
The STEM Education Act of 2015 was also signed into law, creating more opportunities for STEM education both inside and outside of the classroom at places like museums, science centers, and after school programs.
STEAM
STEAM is a concept developed in the early 2010s that adds one more element to traditional STEM education: the arts. By including the arts as a focus, STEAM education incorporates creativity and design thinking into traditionally technical fields, so that all elements can work together to offer a more holistic, interdisciplinary approach to learning.
STEAM education prioritizes hands-on and experiential learning where students can learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as foster teamwork and collaboration. They can also learn how to think more creatively.
For example, students can learn a variety of applications in science, technology, and engineering by building a robot — but adding an arts component to it, like building a robot that can play music, allows students to learn new applications for math and music.
Students may study geometry through a mathematics and artistic lens, learn how to draft and design 3D-printed objects that can be used for components in an engineering product, or use creative brainstorming to design a biology lab research project.
Why STEAM Matters for the Future
There are a number of benefits high school students can gain from engaging in a well-rounded STEAM education, including the following:
STEAM programs help you develop key skills
Engaging in STEAM-focused education can help you build key skills essential for other areas of your life inside and outside the classroom, like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
STEAM programs prepare you for college
STEAM programs help students build foundational knowledge that translates into college readiness and future careers. Exploring STEAM topics and doing hands-on projects can help you find new areas of interest you may want to focus your career, or at least in your college studies.
STEAM programs prepare for the workforce
Occupations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are predicted to grow more than 10 percent by 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As innovation and technology become more of a focus, students who engage in STEAM-focused education today can prepare themselves for career opportunities tomorrow.
Finding the Right STEAM Program for You
If you’re looking for programs to supplement your high school courses and to build your skills, there are plenty of STEAM programs you can get involved with, from weekend events to summer-long programs.
As you research STEAM programs, be sure that they fit your interests, academic goals, and preferred learning format. STEAM programs may have different focus areas, including:
Science and technology programs
These programs highlight biology, chemistry, physics, technology, and computer science, where you may engage in activities like building a wind turbine, doing lab research or experiments, or learning about artificial intelligence or how to code.
Engineering and math programs
Other STEAM programs may have more of a focus on engineering and mathematics, which can include designing and building 3D models, creating data visualization, or doing research to understand the intersection of math and areas like AI and social justice.
The role of the arts in STEAM
If you’re more creatively inclined, seek out STEAM programs that bring the arts to the forefront. Hands-on projects in these programs may include creating wearable art, designing digital media, or building musical instruments.
Harvard’s Summer School STEAM Programs
Harvard Summer School’s Pre-College Program for High School Students can offer you the STEAM education that will prepare you for the future. With classes in STEAM areas of Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Math, Physics, Statistics, Social Science, and the Arts, this two-week intensive can help you discover your passions and get a glimpse of college life.
Want to spend more of your summer focusing on a STEAM area? The 4- and 7-Week Secondary School Program also offers courses in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
