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W O R K F O R M E / S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 56 T here's a lot of buzz lately about STEM jobs, and with good reason. Turns out, science, technol- ogy, engineering, and math jobs typically pay better than others and are on the rise. STEM jobs are projected to increase 10.5% from 2020 to 2030, while non-STEM occu- pations should see a gain of only 7.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And health care jobs, which typi- cally require STEM training, are expected to see even more growth. Median annual wag- es for STEM jobs were nearly $50,000 above non-STEM wages in 2020. So, in this case, the buzz seems worthy. Ares Bourque, a student at Southern Maine Community College, chose a STEM-based ca- reer because it melded his two interests of law enforcement and technology. Bourque, who grew up in Arundel, is majoring in cyber security, a field that boasts an av- erage annual salary of $111,451 in Maine, according to Zip Recruiter. Once he completes the two- year program, one of many STEM- focused associates degrees avail- able through Maine's community colleges and universities, he says he'd like to find an entry-level helpdesk or networking position, then eventually work up to a pene- tration tester or an ethical hacker. "Cyber security is all about problem-solving," Bourque says. "You have to think outside of the box and really put yourself in the mind of an attacker." Those working on educating Maine's youth site problem-solv- ing as one of many important skill- sets developed in STEM training. "As students study the STEM disciplines, they also develop important professional skills in communication, collaboration, and using evidence to develop solutions to complex problems," says Susan McKay, University of Maine physics professor and director of the Maine Center for Research in STEM Education, or what's known as the RiSE Center. The STEM Partnership at the RiSE Center focuses on support- ing STEM educators, and engages more than 1,000 PreK-12 and uni- versity educators across the state. The partnership, funded primar- P H O T O / T I M G R E E N W A Y P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A I N E Strong preparation in STEM keeps many career options open for Maine students, careers in problem solving and innovation that are often the launching point for new small Maine businesses. — Susan McKay UMaine physics professor Ares Bourque, a student at Southern Maine Community College, chose a STEM-based career because it melded his two interests of law enforcement and technology. T e c h n o l o g y Susan McKay, University of Maine physics professor and director of the Maine Center for Research in STEM Education, STEM GROWTH salaries fueling Innovative programs are positioning Maine students for careers in this booming sector B Y C A T I E J O Y C E - B U L A Y