Discovering a career roadmap in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is made easier for Filipino students through a new guidebook, the first in the country.
In celebration of the 2022 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) launched last November 24 “Finding North in STEM”—a handy reference and assessment tool carefully crafted and designed to guide Filipino students into the STEM careers that fit their skills and interests.
Featuring a variety of career specializations that go beyond the popular fields, the guidebook aims to develop a culture of science and technology among the youth, promote STEM education, and popularize careers that are unfamiliar to many. It specifically highlights STEM courses that are covered by the DOST-SEI scholarship programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels.
#Push4Science campaign
The launch event has been a product of a fruitful collaboration between the DOST-SEI and the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP Nismed) through the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Mathematics Education and Research (FPSMER). This joint effort to produce the useful material transpired under the project “#Push4Science: Maging DOST Scholar Ka! Campaign,” which promotes STEM careers and DOST Scholarship Programs to priority municipalities.
UP Nismed representatives, spearheaded by Director Dr. Sheryl Monterola, showed how to navigate the guidebook. A toolkit for teachers and a guide for parents will also be available soon. The toolkit aims to empower the teachers with the right knowledge to help their students go over the guidebook, while the quick guide introduces STEM to parents.
The DOST-SEI trusts that the STEM career guidebook would serve as a solid compass that could enlighten, comfort, and reassure clarity in the future of Filipino youth.
“We envision that this guidebook will allow the students to realize their inner potential in STEM and help the country attain a critical mass of science and technology professionals. We hope that it will spark interest among the youth to take part in the highly competitive and tech-driven world and contribute towards elevating our country’s adoption of this new era,” said Dr. Josette Biyo, DOST-SEI Director.
Monterola also thanked DOST-SEI for the opportunity to prepare the youth to be more proactive in choosing their own career paths. “This guidebook is not only for students already interested in STEM, this book will also be impactful to those who are not yet certain about which path to take in college. This is our way of extending our hands to the future, making sure that we really participate in building the critical mass of a productive workforce in science.”
The guidebook is accessible through the official website of the DOST-SEI at https://bit.ly/3ilxOK1. (Story and photo courtesy of DOST-SEI Media Relations)