New report reveals increase in tech graduates, but employers need to take notice

 

POSTED ON Dec 01, 2020

 

A new report shows just how much the City University of New York (CUNY) is working to increase the numbers of people with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the workforce. According to the report, CUNY is now graduating 10,000 students each year with STEM degrees—a major milestone for the city’s higher education system.

The report found that over the past decade, the number of annual technology graduates has risen 145 percent, increasing from 1,597  (2009-10) to 3,907 (2018-19).

• Engineering graduates jumped 87 percent, from 525 in 2009-10 to 984 degrees granted in 2018-19.
• Science graduates increased 77 percent, from 1,813 in 2009-10 to 3,215 in 2018-19
• Mathematics degrees grew by 23 percent, from 736 degrees in 2009-10 to 907 degrees in 2018-19

However, the report said that despite making up 18 percent of the CUNY student body, Hispanic women received just 7 percent of all STEM degrees and only 4 percent of degrees in technology.

The report also said Black and Hispanic women received fewer than 9 percent of all engineering degrees, despite making up over one-third of CUNY’s student body.

The authors recommended increased support for K–12 STEM skills-building and exploration programs in under-resourced neighborhoods,
raising the visibility of New York City’s Black and Hispanic women in STEM fields, and expanding mentorship programs that connect students to peers already working in STEM fields.

They also advised bolstering wraparound services to support lower-income students.

“The ongoing economic crisis caused by the pandemic will require a new level of support for students’ economic, academic, and emotional needs,” the report said. “In order to help more low-income students earn a credential in the months ahead, the city and state should expand support for CUNY’s efforts to provide childcare, food and housing assistance, mental health counseling, and screening for benefits, among other basic needs, which will help ensure that more of CUNY’s low-income students are able to stay enrolled and graduate.”

Other recommendations include industry leaders and employers taking notice of the 10,000-plus New Yorkers graduating from CUNY every year with a STEM degree, recruiting from CUNY, and making CUNY a key part of how they seek out new hires and implement efforts to increase diversity and inclusion.

Click CUNY’S Key Role In Expanding Access to Tech Careers to read the full report.