User Friendly Media Group Calls for Greater Priority on STEM Education as Technology Reshapes the Workforce

PORTLAND, OR, UNITED STATES, August 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In a newly published article, **“Why STEM Education Must Be a Priority — Today,”** User Friendly Media Group’s William “Bill” Sikkens draws on decades of experience in the information technology industry to highlight how dramatically technology has changed and why education must continue evolving alongside it.

From the early days of personal computers and dial-up communications to smartphones, streaming media, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing, technological change has reshaped how people work, communicate and live.

The next generation will inherit an economy in which understanding technology is increasingly valuable far beyond traditional technology companies.

“STEM skills aren’t just ‘nice to have’ — they’re foundational,” Sikkens writes in the article.

The need extends beyond preparing students to become programmers or engineers. STEM education can help students develop problem-solving, analytical thinking, experimentation, technological literacy and an understanding of how increasingly sophisticated systems affect the world around them.

## A Growing Need for STEM Skills

The article points to the size and continued growth of America's STEM workforce. Approximately 36.8 million people already work in STEM-related occupations, representing nearly one-quarter of the U.S. workforce.

STEM employment is also projected to grow approximately 8 percent through 2034, more than twice the projected growth rate for occupations overall. Median wages for STEM occupations exceeded $100,000 annually in 2024.

For User Friendly Media Group, however, the issue goes beyond employment statistics.

Technology now influences nearly every industry, from healthcare and agriculture to entertainment, transportation, manufacturing, communications and financial services. Artificial intelligence and automation are accelerating that transformation and creating new opportunities while changing the skills employers need.

That makes technological literacy increasingly important even for students who ultimately choose careers outside traditional STEM fields.

## Preparing Students to Shape the Future

Sikkens argues that industry professionals, educators, parents, businesses and community organizations can all play a role in encouraging young people's interest in science and technology.

That support can begin with something as simple as giving students opportunities to experiment, build, program, repair, ask questions and understand how the technology surrounding them actually works.

User Friendly Media Group plans to continue exploring STEM education and sharing ways individuals and organizations can help support the next generation of innovators.

“Join me in supporting the next generation so they aren’t just ready for the future — they’re shaping it,” Sikkens writes.

The complete article, **“Why STEM Education Must Be a Priority — Today,”** is available at:

https://userfriendlyshow.com/why-stem-education-must-be-a-priority-today/

## About User Friendly Media Group

User Friendly Media Group produces *User Friendly 2.0*, a weekly public radio program and podcast covering technology, pop culture and the ways innovation affects everyday life.

Since 2013, *User Friendly* has worked to make technology approachable and understandable for a broad audience through news, interviews, commentary and conversations with experts from technology, entertainment, science and related industries.

For additional information, visit:

https://userfriendlyshow.com/

**Media Contact:**
User Friendly Media Group, Inc.
https://userfriendlyshow.com/contact-us/

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William Sikkens
User Friendly Media Group, Inc
+1 503-523-0888
email us here