Study aims to forecast & solve industry’s future STEM needs
WCU’s Center for STEM Inclusion Launches Sector Analysis Survey Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s STEM Workforce
As technology accelerates and industries rapidly transform, an alignment needs to
occur between the skills today’s students are acquiring and the competencies tomorrow’s
employers will be demanding. Today, West Chester University’s (WCU) Center for STEM
Inclusion launched a sector analysis survey designed to gather real-time intelligence
from industry leaders about the specific workforce needs that will prepare the next
generation of employees and leaders in southeastern Pennsylvania. The comprehensive
survey, which is being distributed to STEM employers throughout this area, represents
an effort to align current educational programming with emerging industry needs across
the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The online survey is currently making its way to STEM employers across such key sectors
as engineering, healthcare, biotechnology/pharmaceutical, energy/utilities, manufacturing,
and other emerging technologies. Once completed, a study will produce actionable insights
that will directly benefit local organizations as well as prepare the STEM workforce
of the future.
“We are at a critical juncture where the STEM jobs of 2030 will most likely look entirely
different than those of today,” said Dr. Brandon J. Mitchell, the professor of physics
and engineering who helped establish and currently leads the University’s Center for
STEM Inclusion. “To prepare students for that future, especially those from low-income
backgrounds, our Center partners with more than 40 schools and nonprofit organizations
across southeastern Pennsylvania to deliver workforce education and training to middle
and high school students. This sector analysis survey is a key step—it will give us
the data we need to align our programming with emerging STEM careers and ensure that
students graduate equipped with the skills, knowledge, and creativity to fuel economic
growth and technological innovation across southeastern PA.”
For organizations, participation in the survey represents an opportunity to provide
sector specific input on their needs in future STEM careers.
“Companies often struggle to find candidates with the right combination of skill-sets,”
said Mr. Homi Kapadia, a member of the Center’s executive advisory board and former
Vice Chairman, Life Sciences, Global Chief Client Officer, and retired Principal
at Deloitte LLP, one of the world’s largest consulting and accounting professional
services firms. “I know how much of an impact a STEM education served as a foundation
to my own career and see the tremendous impact the Center has on students that would
never otherwise be exposed to careers in STEM. Survey results will enable us to help
future employees arrive at their future jobs in southeastern Pennsylvania well prepared
for the opportunities and challenges that they will face.”
The overall success of the sector analysis survey will depend upon the community’s
active participation. The Center is seeking engagement from corporations, nonprofit
organizations, and government agencies. Participation typically requires 10-15 minutes
for survey completion, with optional opportunities for follow-up discussions.
“The goal of the sector analysis survey and that of the Center are one and the same,”
said Mitchell. “We want to help create a regionally responsive model for workforce
development that provides students with viable pathways into well-paying, fulfilling
STEM careers. It’s that simple and that transformative.”
The survey can be found by following this link:
To learn more about the initiative, contact West Chester University Center for STEM
Inclusion at CSI@wcupa.edu.