Future Directions: Challenges and Solutions Facing Career Readiness and Development in STEM Fields

This issue has highlighted some of the challenges in recruiting, preparing, and retaining individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Specifically, there is an increasing need to attract and prepare more STEM workers, address the underrepresentation of women in these careers, and provide ways to develop STEM students’ and employees’ social skills. These challenges require a systems approach involving educational institutions, community programs, and businesses and industry. Human resource development (HRD) initiatives and expertise are needed in all types of organizations to support the preparation and retention of a vibrant STEM workforce. Teachers and faculty working with STEM students, managers and HRD practitioners, and HRD scholars interested in STEM careers