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STEM Careers

Governor Lingle Signs Legislation to Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education as Part of Hawaii Innovation Initiative

On May 30, 2007 Governor Linda Lingle signed a key piece of legislation into law that will help transform the state's economy from one based on land development to one based on innovation and developing Hawaii's human capital. Act 111, which took effect on July 1, 2007, supports the Lingle-Aiona Administration's Hawaii Innovation Initiative, which includes providing Hawaii students with world-class analytical and problem-solving skills developed through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

"The programs established under this bill are part of a long-term effort to develop the innovation capacity of Hawaii's workforce, particularly the younger generation, in order to successfully compete in the global economy," said Governor Lingle. "These initiatives, especially the STEM-related programs, focus on creating life-long learning and skill-building opportunities for students, teachers and our existing labor force."

This measure establishes career and technical programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, computing, robotics and project EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology). Projects will be offered jointly with the University of Hawaii (UH), community colleges, Department of Education (DOE) or private entities.

This includes the establishment of STEM academies on Kauai, through a HiEST (Hawaii Excellence through Science and Technology) Academy pilot program that will be administered by Kauai Community College (KCC) at two public schools.

In addition, the bill creates the FIRST (Fostering Inspiration and Relevance through Science and Technology) program within the UH College of Engineering to focus on setting up project-based learning programs for students in grades 4 through 8. School participation in the FIRST program will be voluntary. The bill also establishes a FIRST teacher training program at UH to support the development of middle school teacher skills and knowledge and the formation of a middle school STEM curriculum with an emphasis on wireless communications.

Additional appropriations under Act 111 will be used for the following purposes:

• The creation of a professional development program of science and math teachers in the elementary through high school level to update and enhance their skills and knowledge of recent developments in these fields. This program, which will be administered by the UH College of Education, will include summer school, after school, weekend and distance learning options for teachers.
  
• Stipends to college students pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate in secondary education who will teach STEM classes.
  
• The creation of a business/education internship and mentorship program within the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
  
• The establishment of agricultural and culinary arts programs in the DOE, in partnership with UH and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.

Here are some of the STEM careers that can be found in Career Kokua:

Aerospace Engineers	Health Services Administrators
Agricultural Scientists	High School Teachers
Airplane Pilots	Industrial Engineers
Anesthesiologists	Industrial Production Managers
Animal Scientists	Internists
Aquatic Technicians	Marine Biologists
Architects	Mechanical Engineers
Astronomers	Medical Laboratory Technicians
Biologists	Medical Laboratory Technologists
Broadcast Technicians	Medical Sonographers
Cardiovascular Technologists	Meteorologists
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	Nuclear Engineers
Chemical Engineers	Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Chemists	Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Civil Engineers	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Communications Equipment Mechanics	Occupational Therapists
Computer Engineers	Optometrists
Computer Operators	Park Rangers
Computer Programmers	Pediatricians
Computer Security Specialists	Pharmacists
Computer Support Specialists	Physical Therapists
Computer Systems Administrators	Physician Assistants
Computer Systems Analysts	Physicists
Conservation Scientists	Podiatrists
Construction and Building Inspectors	Psychiatrists
Construction Managers	Quality Control Inspectors
Coroners	Radiologic Technologists
Data Communications Analysts	Registered Nurses
Dental Laboratory Technicians	Respiratory Therapists
Dentists	Science Technicians
Dietitians	Ship Captains and Mates
Drafters	Ship Engineers
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Ship Pilots
Electricians	Statisticians
Engineering Managers	Surgeons
Engineering Technicians	Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Environmental Engineers	Surveyors
Environmental Scientists	Transportation Inspectors
Family and General Practitioners	University and College Teachers
Food Scientists	Urban and Regional Planners
Forensic Science Technicians	Veterinarians
Foresters	Veterinary Assistants
Forestry Technicians	Water Treatment Plant Operators
Geologists and Geophysicists	Zoologists

The following web sites provide more information about STEM programs in Hawaii, STEM careers, educational opportunities and resources:

STEMHawaii -	an online resource for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-related information and programs for students (K-16)
Women in Technology -	a statewide project funded by the U.S. Department of Labor as a workforce development project to encourage women and girls into science, technology, engineering and math careers and into other non-traditional occupations for women.
isisHawaii -	a Hawaii-based non-profit organization that provides resources and opportunities to students (K-16) to foster and sustain interest in the exploration of science, technology, engineering and math (i.e., STEM) education and careers.

Posted: August 27, 2009 @ 9:17 AM HST

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