Editorial: Why STEAM Education Matters More Than Ever

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This editorial argues that STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education is crucial for preparing students with the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce and community. It highlights how STEAM goes beyond just job training to foster essential lifelong skills, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong STEAM programs in local schools despite budget constraints.

Why it matters

STEAM education helps build the creative, communicative, and adaptable skills that employers throughout Santa Clara County consistently say they need. It also strengthens connections between schools and the broader community through partnerships that provide mentorships, internships, and real-world projects for students.

The details

STEAM education encourages hands-on learning and real-world applications, helping students understand the interconnections between different disciplines. The inclusion of the arts is what truly sets STEAM apart, as creativity is essential for fostering innovation, empathy, and storytelling - skills that benefit all fields. STEAM classrooms teach students that logic and imagination are partners, not opposites.

• This editorial was published on February 12, 2026.