In those brain-busting moments, you might think there's no way a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) would be the right fit for you. But some experts say you don't have to be a math and science whiz to excel at one of the numerous jobs available in STEM.

The next time you want to toss your algebra or chemistry textbook out the window, think about this: STEMconnector, a Washington, D.C., firm that promotes STEM education and jobs, suggested in a 2018 study that students with less-than-perfect math and science grades should still consider pursuing STEM careers. The study's conclusions were based on interviews with 114 students and representatives from technology companies, nonprofits, foundations, and universities.

"There's a misconception that you have to be some kind of genius to be in STEM," said Danika LeDuc, an associate dean and chemistry professor at California State University, East Bay. "The reality is, there's a whole wide range of occupations that require STEM skills. If you really don't like the subject, that's one thing. But I do hope students understand life has a lot of opportunities."

It's true. The STEMconnector study cited data gathered by the Smithsonian Institution's Science Education Center. It showed that an estimated 2.4 million science, math, technology, and engineering jobs went unfilled in the U.S. in 2018 alone. A lot of those jobs offer fairly high salaries. So why would perfectly good jobs be left on the table? There aren't enough tech and science workers in the U.S. to take them. The study identified some reasons for this shortage:

The "belief gap": Many students have noted that they don't think of themselves as future scientists or technology experts. That's because they might have struggled with a math or science class. Some employers struggle with that belief, too, overlooking job applicants with less-than-perfect grades.

Access to college: Everyone knows college is expensive. Due to lack of funds or poor preparation, not enough students are pursuing higher education after high school. They're not gaining the skills they need to be competitive in the workforce.

Fundamental skills deficit: Not enough students are learning basic tech skills like simple coding or data analysis. And employers aren't doing enough to train workers.

The question is, where do we go from here? The study suggests that the solution is to improve science and math education for students from all backgrounds. It says this education should begin in kindergarten..

Science-themed after-school programs and school partnerships with tech companies could help with that. Microsoft, for example, has donated $150 million in grants, employee time, and software to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The goal is to promote technology education for underserved children.

Meanwhile, employers can shake things up during the hiring process by changing their perceptions of who can succeed in the math, science, and technology fields, said Erin White, the study's author. They need to look beyond a student's major or grade point average and consider various skills that are valuable in the workplace.

"Cognitive flexibility, communication skills, the ability to collaborate and work on a teamthat's what will be required to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow," White said.

And here's something students can do today: Don't give up on science and math.

"Sometimes, a bad grade is just due to poor study habits," said LeDuc. She's had students earn Fs in her class, learn better ways to study, and then re-take the class and earn Bs. She's also had students sometimes struggle with classwork but excel in labs.

Who knows? STEM careers might be perfect for them. Maybe they just need to give themselves a chance to find out.

Summarize the conclusions of the study discussed in the Article. Do you think students with average math and science grades should pursue STEM careers? Why or why not? Use facts and details from the lesson in your response.