The survey further sheds light on the disconcerting reality that fewer than half of the teachers feel adequately qualified or supported to teach agri-science.
Digging deeper, the survey highlights a troubling disconnect between the perceived importance of agricultural careers and the actual pursuit of such careers by high school students. While 86 percent of parents agree on the importance of encouraging careers in the agricultural industries for the country's future success, nearly 70 percent do not believe their children will pursue a career in agri-science. This contradiction is further underscored by data from the United States Department of Agriculture, revealing thousands of unfilled jobs in agriculture annually (<>Science and Engineering, 2020-2025), a topic we will explore a bit more thoroughly in later posts. Dr. Mae Jemison, Chief Ambassador for Bayer’s Making Science Make Sense initiative, emphasizes that this data mirrors a broader challenge in STEM education and careers, urging the need for new generations of STEM-literate leaders equipped to address the pressing challenges facing humanity such as food security (<>Are we preparing the next generation for tomorrow's global challenges? new study suggests we have work to do. 2018). If we are to cultivate innovative solutions for issues like nutrition and health needs amid a growing population, a paradigm shift in STEM education is imperative.
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