Survey finds Georgia's youth leaning toward STEM careers

So what do Georgia’s youth want to do when they grow up?

They’re very interested in careers in the medical industry, the military and acting.

Those are the results of a recently released survey by the Boy Scouts of America for sixth through 12th graders. About 10,000 Georgia students responded.

In the Peach State, nearly half of the students were interested in careers in science, math, engineering and technology, typically lumped together by educators as STEM. The top responses included anesthetist, dental assistant, civil engineer, medical technician and x-ray technician.

Other careers that were popular included serving in the U.S. Army or Air Force, becoming an actress or an attorney.

The Boy Scouts has an Exploring program for children to learn about various careers.

Georgia education leaders have career pathways for students to learn more about professions that pique their interest. Employers have encouraged such classes to better train students, saying many graduates lack the skills necessary to be successful in their companies.

The survey found some gender gaps. Boys were much more interested than girls in engineering careers and computer science, an issue Georgia education leaders have attempted to address.

About the Author

Eric Stirgus

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.

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