User Friendly Media Group urges stronger STEM focus as technology reshapes work

User Friendly Media Group is spotlighting the need for stronger STEM education in a new article by William “Bill” Sikkens, arguing that technological literacy now matters across the economy, not just in tech jobs. The piece ties that case to labor-market data showing STEM work is expanding and paying well, while AI and automation keep changing what employers need.

Why it matters: - STEM education is increasingly tied to career readiness across the U.S. economy, not only to jobs in software or engineering. - Technology is now changing how people work in fields including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, communications, entertainment and financial services. - AI and automation are widening the gap between students who understand technology and those who do not. - The full article is available here.

What happened: - User Friendly Media Group published a new article, “Why STEM Education Must Be a Priority — Today,” by William “Bill” Sikkens. - Sikkens argues that STEM skills are foundational as technology continues to reshape daily life and the workforce. - The article was released from Portland, Oregon, on August 17, 2026.

The details: - Sikkens draws on decades in the information technology industry, spanning the era of personal computers and dial-up communications through smartphones, streaming media, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing. - The article says STEM education should help students build problem-solving, analytical thinking, experimentation, technological literacy and an understanding of complex systems. - About 36.8 million people already work in STEM-related occupations, or nearly one-quarter of the U.S. workforce. - STEM employment is projected to grow about 8% through 2034, more than twice the expected growth rate for all occupations. - Median wages for STEM occupations topped $100,000 in 2024. - The article says technological literacy matters even for students who do not plan to work in traditional STEM careers. - Sikkens says industry professionals, educators, parents, businesses and community organizations can help spark student interest in science and technology. - The article points to hands-on opportunities such as building, programming, repairing, asking questions and learning how technology works.

Between the lines: - The argument goes beyond workforce statistics. It frames STEM as a basic civic skill in an economy where digital systems shape everyday decisions and opportunities. - User Friendly Media Group is positioning STEM education as part of a broader public conversation about how communities prepare young people for rapid technological change. - Sikkens also casts the issue as a shared responsibility, not just a school-system problem.

What's next: - User Friendly Media Group says it plans to keep exploring STEM education and share ways people and organizations can support future innovators. - Sikkens closes by urging readers to help students do more than adapt to the future and instead help shape it. - The company says more information is available on its website and contact page.

The bottom line: - The message is simple: STEM is no longer a niche track. User Friendly Media Group wants it treated as core preparation for a labor market being rewritten by technology.