Full STEAM Ahead

"...Leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today – especially in science, technology, engineering and math." 
– Barack Obama

In November 2009, President Obama launched “Educate to Innovate,” a program designed to move American students from the middle tier to the top tier in global math and science achievement. One of the main components of the initiative was an emphasis on “STEM” (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses in school curriculums.

Recently, we have become aware of a related movement championed by the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), “STEAM,” which advocates for adding art to the national STEM agenda. At a briefing on Capitol Hill earlier this month, RISD interim president Rosanne Somerson stressed that the U.S. needs “an educational system that prepares students to manage change and uncertainty, and to thrive in ever-changing conditions. To meet the needs of industry and ensure that this country leads in knowledge creation and innovation, we need the kind of education that encourages fresh thinking, bold ideas and the ability to communicate and collaborate across disciplines.”

When it comes to the workplace, creativity should be welcomed rather than suppressed. In a constantly changing global economy, the ability to adapt and think critically are essential qualities for new hires. While the perception might still exist, to some degree, that large corporations seek robot-like personnel that can be “plugged-in” to their company scheme, the presence of representatives from Intel, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin at this month’s STEAM briefing suggests otherwise.

Undoubtedly, all employers interested in prevailing into the future will have to, at some time or another, embrace divergent thinking skills and creative expression as part of their company culture. While the importance of STEAM courses may not seem relevant to every business, their value will prove surprisingly essential and applicable in the long run.

Does your company value new ways of thinking and bold ideas? Do you believe innovative thinking to be critical in order to compete in a changing global economy?