What are the barriers to STEM careers in the US?

You have spent a semester reading about science, learning to understand how science works, you hopefully think about science in a different way than you might have when you started the semester. STEM careers are on average among the highest paying careers there are, there are many opportunities for qualified people and there is a growing need.

• What are the barriers to entering these fields?
• What instructional or institutional recommendations would you make to enhance retention and recruitment in STEM areas?

In this instance, having completed a semester of this course and a lifetime as a student you are qualified to have a meaningful opinion on the subject. So please share your reasoned and thoughtful opinion with the class.

The response post should state whether you agree or disagree with the recommendations with a sound argument for your stance.