[2] The STEM pipeline is a key component of workplace diversity and of workforce development that ensures sufficient qualified candidates are available to fill scientific and technical positions.
[4] These leaks often vary by field, gender, ethnic and racial identity, socioeconomic background, and other factors, drawing attention to structural inequities involved in STEM education and careers.
STEM programs may also focus on bringing students together with professionals in their field, to provide mentoring, role models and learning opportunities in industry.
[8][9][10] In the United States, although efforts to increase the number of women and African Americans in STEM fields have been ongoing, as recently as 2010 the results have been evaluated as "poor".
[18] The program's origins can be traced back to a letter sent to the prime minister by the Council of Science and Technology in 2012 that covered the core values that should make stem more accessible.
This letter outlined the core values as "integrated delivery, governance and accountability across the curriculum, teaching, testing, STEM access, and career advice and guidance".
[19] The Council of Science and Technology has also researched education methods that better support students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) that go down the STEM pipeline.
[21] In their path to pursue higher education in the STEM fields, underrepresented students are awarded scholarships that aid them throughout their college years.
A 2015 commentary in Inside Higher Ed suggested that the "leaky pipeline" metaphor may be viewed as pejorative towards individuals who leave the academic track for employment, or use their technical background as the basis for a career in a non-technical field.