The School Counselor and STEM Career Development

Abstract

There is an increasing concern that the demand for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workers in the United States will exceed the supply. In the United States, very few students, and underrepresented students in particular, are pursuing STEM educational and occupational goals that underscores the need for school counselors to understand how to maximize opportunities for student success in STEM. Understanding the factors that influence students’ academic and career choices early on is necessary in order to provide effective interventions and responsive services that will have a positive impact on students’ future STEM career outcomes. Using social-cognitive career theory as a framework, this article synthesizes pertinent research on student STEM engagement, so that school counselors will be better able to support STEM career development for all students, especially those from historically underrepresented groups. Implications for school counseling practice are discussed.