Mystified by this week's math problems? Stumped by the science diagram that you've been staring at for 10 minutes straight? 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."

A look at the job market confirms the dean's assertion: An estimated 2.4 million science, math, technology, and engineering jobs went unfilled in the U.S. in 2018 alone, according to data gathered by the Smithsonian Institution's Science Education Center and cited by the STEMconnector study. Many of those jobs offer fairly high salaries, too. Even so, they are left on the table because there's a shortage of tech and science workers in the U.S. 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 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. As a result, 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 beginning 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.

Question 1:

According to the Article, why did 2.4 million STEM jobs go unfilled in the United States in 2018?

A.STEM positions are being held open until more young people complete training programs, such as the ones offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

B.Technology has been changing so quickly that colleges have not been able to create courses to teach students the skills needed for STEM jobs.

C.There is a shortage of STEM workers, due in part to people not thinking they have the appropriate skills for STEM jobs.

D.Many young people are pursuing careers that pay better and require less education than STEM jobs.

Question 2:

Which of these is most important to include in a summary of this article?

A. Microsoft has given grants, employee, time, and software to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for science-themed programs.

B. Skills like creative thinking, clear communication, and the ability to be a team player are key if you're going to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow.

C. Many students don't think of themselves as future scientists or technology experts.

D. A 2018 study conducted by STEMconnector suggested that students with less-than-perfect math and science grades should not rule out STEM careers.

Question 3: The author probably wrote this Article in order to.

A. Encourage young people to rethink how they feel about STEM subjects and to consider careers in STEM fields.

B. Criticize young people for not doing better in STEM subjects and missing out on high-paying STEM jobs.

C. Persuade readers to purchase Microsoft products in support of the company's STEM education program.

D. Inform readers that science and math education in the U.S. teaches the basic skills necessary to succeed in STEM jobs.

Question 4: Which is the closest antonym for the word misconception, as it is used in the Article?

A. Fact

B. Hint

C. Belief

D. Guess

Question 5: Which of these is a statement of fact?

A. Creative thinking and communication skills are far more useful in the workplace than technological skills.

B. Microsoft partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of America in order to promote technology education for underserved children.

C. There aren't enough classes that teach coding, and that's probably the main reason why STEM jobs aren't being filled.

D. It is more important for employers to change their views about who can succeed in STEM than it is for students to change their opinions about STEM subjects.

Question 6: Which two words are the closest synonyms?

A. Improve and promote

B. Excel and succeed

C. Basic and advanced

D. Simple and confusing

Question 7: Which passage from the Article best supports the idea that people feel unqualified for STEM jobs because they had bad experiences during their education?

A. "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.

B. Microsoft, for example, has given grants to the Boys and Girls Club of America. It has also donated employee time and software to the group. The goal is to promote technology education for underserved children.

C. "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.

D. Many students have noted that they don't think of themselves as future scientists or technology experts because they might have struggled with a math or science class.

Question 8: Based on the Article, the reader can predict that.

A. Thanks to the data citied in the STEMconnector study, Danika LeDuc will change her mind about the number of opportunities in STEM careers.

B. Middle schools and high schools may be persuaded by the findings of the STEMconnector study to develop new STEM programs.

C. Leaders at Microsoft will question the notion that there aren't enough qualified people applying for STEM jobs.

D. Due to to rise in applicants, Erin White may encourage companies to set higher expectations of STEM job candidates.