MASA Feature Connecting to a Regional Career Focus Our region has long been known for career fields that require science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Manufacturing and healthcare are just two of the more prominent career fields that support our region’s economy. In recent years, though, the stigma associated with the collapse of the auto industry and the overall economy has caused our gradu-ates to naturally steer clear of these areas of employment preparation. Students have been guided away from pursuing many Does your home insurance protect you at school? Ours does. Our home policy offers personal liability coverage extended to school administrator employment. And that’s just one example of how our coverages are all about educators. We also offer coverage for personal property at school, and school equipment at home. Ask us about our custom-designed auto insurance, as well. Educators Get More From Meemic • SAVINGS up to 35% • Claims service excellence: 97% of members are likely to refer someone to Meemic following a claims experience* • Meemic was grown by referrals: 71% of new Meemic members were referred by other highly satisfied members!** $500,000 for Educators in 2016 The Meemic Foundation has given nearly $2 million to educators and classrooms, and we’re giving a total of $500,000 in 2016 alone! That kind of commitment speaks volumes about why we’re different. *Based on a 2014 survey of Meemic members. **Based on 2015 member referral rate. 30 MASA LEADER • Spring 2016 STEM fields due to a belief that there are no jobs available. As the economy improved and the area’s businesses realigned to supply and demand, careers in STEM-related fields are not only available, but employers are having a difficult time finding qualified candidates to fill openings. The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance has undertaken a STEM Impact Initiative to aid our region with aligning educational practices with career opportunities. During the study, the needs of our region became very apparent. The annual mean wage for a STEM job is $79,395—nearly 71 percent higher than the average for all occupations and industries, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are not just jobs requiring a college degree, but also many skilled trades and certificated programs that provide a substantial income. Manufacturing and healthcare drive roughly 38 percent of our region’s By Douglas Trombley
MASA Leader - Sprin 2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above