Barriers and Solutions for STEM Students From Rural Areas

Abstract

This chapter explores the state of rural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and its importance to rural communities today. After defining “rural,” barriers to rural STEM students are discussed as “student barriers,” “institutional barriers,” and “societal barriers,” including poverty, underfunding, lack of internet, lack of role models, drug and alcohol abuse, and the exodus of students leaving rural areas for jobs. Battling the barriers and improving the access of opportunities for rural STEM students, the author supports Marietta and Marietta's (2020) analysis of STEM education in rural schools and examines its use in rural school districts with a summary and practical experience from the author. The chapter culminates with advice for “rural practitioners” or anyone who is employed or looking employment with rural school districts in STEM fields about how to be successful and make a difference for students in a rural school.