Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education is key to our future because it prepares students for careers in critical fields.

National STEM Day is Nov. 8. It’s a day to inspire kids to explore these important subjects.

STEM contributions are all around us and shape our lives every day. To continue leading the world in STEM innovations, we need to encourage more kids to look at STEM-related fields.

Although Michigan’s economy is growing and creating jobs, many positions remain unfilled. As a member of the governor’s MiSTEM Advisory Council, I know that STEM education can play an important role is addressing our skilled jobs gap by providing our students with training and education in fields where positions exist.

That is why I sponsored Senate Bill 343 to give students vital information for helping them plan their future. The bill would require schools to provide students with the most recent available analysis of in-demand occupations for their local economic forecast region.

The “Hot Jobs” outlooks for each of Michigan’s 10 prosperity regions are available at milmi.org/research/Regional-Hot-Jobs-for-2024.

According to the Hot Jobs outlook for southwest Michigan, the careers with the highest projected growth from 2014 to 2024 in the region are computer-controlled machine tool operators, nurse practitioners and software developers.

This information can be a tremendous resource for those looking for work, people considering a career change and especially students contemplating a career path.

I also introduced SB 344 to allow a student to receive a STEM certification as an incentive for taking additional STEM courses. If the bill is enacted, Michigan would be the first state to allow such a STEM certification opportunity.   

This certification is an excellent way to reward students who take extra STEM classes and highlight their accomplishments — while also giving them a competitive advantage in landing a well-paying job.

National STEM Day and my bills are both about ensuring that every student receives the education and information they need for their future.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.