Exploring Educational Pathways: Insights from the Statistics Canada Report

Ever wonder why some kids go to college and others don’t? As students across the country head back to school this September, it’s important to recognize that not all educational journeys look the same. For example, Latin American and Black students are less likely to go to college than Korean and Chinese students. A study by Statistics Canada shows that there are big differences in who goes to college and who succeeds. This is especially true in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), where there are not many Black men and women. STEM fields can lead to good jobs because they need strong math and problem-solving skills. These skills are important in industries that pay well, like tech, aerospace, and finance.

How Education Affects Earnings

There is a clear link between more education and higher pay among full-time workers aged 25 to 34. But, there is a difference between men and women. In 2022, men with a bachelor’s degree earned an income of $75,100, which is 23% more than women who made $60,800, according to data from the National Centre for Education Statistics in the United States.

The pandemic affected Canadians’ job salaries differently based on their education. Those with less education than a bachelor’s degree saw a decrease in average job income, while those with more education saw an increase. Both men and women saw the same pattern.

The Challenge of Educational Barriers
The study Statistics Canada shows that Black, Latin American, and other underrepresented groups were less likely to participate in STEM programs and had lower four-year graduation rates than other demographic groups. These differences highlight the many challenges that these students face as illustrated by Fervone’s nonlinear journey. She remembers feeling proud when she first started University. But being one of the few women in a STEM field
mostly made up of men, she felt alone. “I kept my struggles to myself, thinking I wasn’t the right fit,” she says. Feeling overwhelmed and doubting herself, she didn’t have a mentor to guide her, so she left STEM for a different path. Now, she’s a team lead at the University of Alberta, WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science & Technology), where she works to encourage diversity and empower women in STEM. Fervone’s story shows why support and mentorship are so important.

The success of YesWeCode Program

For the second year in a row, students and their parents report:
● More Interest in STEM: Most reported a greater interest in science, technology,
engineering, or math.
● Better Grades: Participants reported doing better in school, suggesting a positive impact
on their education.
● Better Problem-Solving Skills: The initiative has helped students feel more comfortable
solving problems in general.
● Leadership Skills: The program encourages leadership, with many students showing
new leadership skills.

Kevin Kelly, president at CACI International Inc – LGS LABS and a winner of the STEM Champion Award at WashingtonExec’s sixth annual K-12 STEM Symposium has some advice for adults and educators. He believes that sparking interest and curiosity in sciences needs to start early. He urged adults and educators to first inspire students by communicating their passion for science. Then, they must feed that passion for STEM. Not everyone belongs in a STEM-related field, but for those who find something exciting about it, that influence and passion from peers can be life-changing.

You can support programs such as ours through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word,
every action helps create a fairer educational landscape.

Volunteer Your Skills: Mentor kids or help with workshops that promote an interest in
tech while unlocking doors to new opportunities.
Making an Impact with Donations: Your support helps improve our reach and give
essential goods to students in need.
Increase awareness: By promoting equal access to technology in schools. Your voice
breaks down barriers and ensures every kid has the tools to succeed.

Programs like YesWeCode are important in paving the way for a brighter future. By investing in the potential of our youth, we can make sure that every student can succeed, no matter their background. Together, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Join us in our mission to bridge the educational gap and empower the next generation of tech leaders.

REFERENCE

Handler, T., Bonikowska, A., & Frenette, M. (2024). Pathways of Black, Latin American and other population groups in bachelor’s degree programs. Economic and Social Reports. https://doi.org/10.25318/36280001202400500003-eng

Login

Signup