Exploring Challenges and Solutions Facing STEM Careers in the 21st Century: A Human Resource Development Perspective

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions are recognized by educators and business leaders as being pillars to national economies that vie for wealth and prosperity. Nonetheless, human resource development (HRD) has largely been absent from the discussion on potential contributions it may provide to address recruitment, development, and retention issues that threaten a diverse, sustained supply of career ready STEM workers. Considering the changing nature of knowledge-intensive jobs and continuing growth in STEM occupations, HRD’s role to advance STEM careers in the 21st century is significant. The special issue moves beyond the rhetoric of the STEM teacher shortage and a skills gap to offer clarity around career readiness and retention in STEM and introduce HRD’s responses through research, practice, and policy making. The issue provides examples and information that illustrate a range of strategies involving education, industry, and community partnerships to consider how to advance STEM careers from a more holistic perspective. Scholars, practitioners, teachers, administrators, industry leaders, and government officials who hold interest in promoting STEM careers