The following was written by Dr. Crystal Ricks, an advanced learning coordinator and DoD STEM Ambassador. DoD STEM Ambassadors work with the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) to advance STEM outreach for students who are underrepresented in STEM or military connected. Ricks was selected by Naval STEM as its DoD STEM Ambassador for the 2022-2023 school year.

The importance of STEM education in modern society cannot be understated. As technological advances become increasingly integral to everyday life, careers of the future will rely heavily on deep knowledge of the STEM disciplines. Unfortunately, rural students are disproportionately disadvantaged when it comes to receiving a quality STEM education. Lack of access to vital educational opportunities has far-reaching implications for the future of our country and future generations.

Despite an abundance of job opportunities in STEM fields, many students from rural areas are unable to take advantage of these due to lack of resources and educational materials, resulting in graduates who are not as globally competitive or prepared for advanced education in STEM. This creates a domino effect and puts them at a major disadvantage. Eventually, this dynamic will spell trouble for U.S. competitiveness in innovation and productivity, and will reduce positive changes for society.

Therefore, more must be done to provide all students with equitable access to STEM education. Initiatives have been launched to close the gaps between urban and rural populations, but more are needed. Following are several suggestions:

• Provide specific funding and support for schools located in rural communities to increase access to up-to-date learning materials and technology such as computers, robotics equipment, and other necessary resources.


• Provide specific training and professional development for teachers in rural areas so they are better equipped to teach relevant STEM lessons. In this case, better-equipped teachers will produce better-equipped graduates.


• Increase access to extracurricular and informal programs that offer freedom for students to follow their interests and further develop STEM skills.


• Increase efforts to recruit underrepresented demographics, such as persons of color and women, to serve as mentors, educators, and professional role models. Increasing diversity in the STEM professions sets an excellent example. When students are exposed to female scientists, to mathematicians with disabilities, or to culturally diverse engineers, it sends a clear message that there is not a strictly defined mold for who can be successful in STEM. Having diverse role models also reinforces the idea that success in STEM is attainable no matter where you come from or what your gender or race is—and helps each student understand that they too can have a seat at the table.

Combined, these measures will create a fertile environment for every student to learn, create, innovate, and compete in a global economy regardless of their location or background. Plus, these benefits will reach far beyond the classroom. When our teachers have access to quality resources, our students in turn become more competitive, which helps keep America at the forefront of technological development. Access to high-quality educational materials and technology should be a priority for rural communities. Our ability to compete globally depends on it.