If the United States wishes to be a competitor in the global economy, bolstering the STEM talent pool is essential. Changes in public policy for funding agencies and a decline in STEM degree graduation rates will have dire consequences for the economic outlook of the American economy. In the United States, STEM knowledge and skills are applied in many more occupations than those traditionally thought of as being fundamentally based on science and engineering.
Five million U.S. workers were officially classified as having a science or engineering occupation in 2020; however, the United States Labor Bureau reports that 16.5 million college-educated employees claim that their jobs required at least a bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline. Many of these employees are found in the career fields of sales, marketing, and management.
STEM-associated industries, not tax cuts, have historically driven the American economy. Scientific and technological innovation placed the United States as a global leader in the 20th century. Given the acceleration of technological discoveries and advances in the sciences, it would seem illogical to cut critical support programs, such as DEI, that help create the STEM talent pool.
Occupational tasks, and even occupations themselves, evolved in response to the transformations realized in the 21st-century American economy, and new careers are emerging as new industries are created. To remain competitive in the global economy arena, the United States labor force will require flexible STEM-capable workers of every education level.
Under previous presidential administrations, careers in STEM fields were identified as meeting a national need, and several programs, such as the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), have been implemented to fill this gap in the domestic talent pool. As the Trump administration enters its 100-day milestone, cataclysmic shutdowns and the defunding of national programs pose a serious threat to the economy, but the most destructive Executive Order may be the demise of DEI.
DEI Powers the Workforce in STEM
Previously, filling the gaps in the STEM talent pool relied heavily on attracting foreign workers to come to the United States to work. This approach was heavily criticized. There is a largely untapped workforce already living in the United States. In a time when importing talent from other countries is not feasible, why would we not promote the talent within the country?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are critical drivers behind staffing STEM jobs in the United States, as they address systemic barriers that limit access to these fields for underrepresented groups. By fostering a more inclusive environment, DEI efforts expand the talent pool, enabling the U.S. to meet the growing demand for skilled STEM professionals. Research shows that underrepresented groups, including women, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous individuals, and people with disabilities, remain disproportionately excluded from STEM careers despite their increasing participation in higher education and technical training programs. Without DEI initiatives to create equitable opportunities and dismantle these barriers, the nation risks losing out on a vast reservoir of untapped talent essential for innovation and global competitiveness.
DEI initiatives in STEM are essential for addressing labor shortages in high-demand industries. The U.S. faces a significant skills gap in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy—fields critical to maintaining economic growth and technological leadership. By investing in DEI programs that encourage underrepresented groups to pursue STEM education and careers, the nation can build a more robust workforce capable of meeting these challenges. Programs like scholarships for marginalized students, flexible work policies for caregivers, and community engagement initiatives have proven effective in increasing representation in STEM fields. These efforts not only help fill immediate job vacancies but also ensure a sustainable pipeline of talent for future demands
Increasing the participation of underrepresented student populations in the STEM fields for these students is one of the primary objectives of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). These organizations take their cues from other DEI programs to promote successful degree completion of students from traditionally underrepresented populations.
Many other private organizations, such as the Lumina Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloane Foundation, also fund initiatives focused on achieving the same goal. One program sponsored by the NSF is the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP). LSAMP is one of the largest funding sources available in the United States that is exclusively reserved for the promotion of STEM careers among underserved populations (National Science Foundation [NSF], 2017).
The Impact on Business
One of the most compelling reasons businesses and policymakers should prioritize DEI in STEM is its direct impact on innovation and problem-solving. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives and experiences that enhance creativity and lead to more effective solutions. Studies have consistently shown that organizations with greater diversity outperform their less diverse counterparts in terms of financial outcomes, scientific impact, and organizational success. For example, DEI initiatives like mentorship programs, inclusive hiring practices, and targeted outreach efforts help ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can contribute to STEM fields. This inclusivity not only enriches the quality of research and development but also strengthens industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering that rely heavily on STEM talent.
Results of the Changes Happening at the National Level
Changes in funding policies at the national level impact the country on many levels. Compounding the effects of the loss of funding for the NOAA and Department of Education, the decimation of DEI initiatives at the national level has an indirect effect on science in fields where women and persons of color are well represented. This prejudice can easily be identified in the current administration of the United States.
Significant funding cuts for environmental protection, education, and public health are being passed while spending for the defense and energy sectors is dramatically increasing. For example, the absence of DEI initiatives will negatively affect female scientists and scientists of color because they represent many of the environmental policy and public health scientists (NSF, 2017). As a result, these fields of science will suffer setbacks.
DEI is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for staffing STEM jobs in the United States. It addresses systemic inequities that exclude talented individuals from contributing to critical industries while enhancing innovation, filling labor shortages, and promoting economic equity. As global competition intensifies in science and technology fields, prioritizing DEI will be essential for maintaining America’s leadership on the world stage.
Finally, DEI initiatives contribute to broader societal benefits by promoting equity and economic mobility. STEM jobs are associated with higher wages and lower unemployment rates compared to many other sectors. Expanding access to these opportunities through DEI programs helps close income gaps for historically marginalized communities while strengthening the overall economy. Furthermore, creating a more inclusive STEM workforce reflects America’s values of fairness and equal opportunity, reinforcing its position as a global leader in science and technology. By embedding DEI into education systems, corporate practices, and public policy, the U.S. can ensure that its workforce reflects the diversity of its population while driving innovation and economic progress.
Sources:
US. Dept of Labor STEM statistics
Dept of Education diversity in STEM
