Pursuing a career in STEM can place students at the forefront of innovation and technology. Critical to these careers is the development of STEM skills, which can open doors to careers as inventors, astronauts, researchers and leaders in many other technology-related fields. While it is never too late to develop the skills needed for a STEM career, starting early can help students follow in the footsteps of influential figures in STEM.
Focusing on education helped Dr. Bernard Harris become an astronaut. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2025. Shirly Ann Jackson, Ph.D., became the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT in 1973. She later became a renowned inventor and leader in telecommunications technology. In 2016, she was awarded the National Medal of Science.
While these STEM leaders can inspire students, not every school has the resources to provide students with the information, support and guidance needed in STEM education. That is why it is so important that students, teachers and parents should be equipped and understand how to find STEM resources online.
How to Help Students Find Reputable STEM Resources Online
There are many STEM resources available online, but it is important for students to be able to find the information relevant to their grade levels, unique learning needs and specific skills they are seeking to build.
Here are a few steps parents, teachers and mentors can take to identify the right resources for students interested in developing STEM skills:
- Start with a STEM skills assessment and identify the student’s academic or career interests. Understanding both a student’s current abilities and future goals can help determine which skills they already have, which skills they need to build and which learning resources will be most valuable.
- Once you identify the skills the student needs to build, look for resources and skill-building opportunities from reputable institutions or organizations like NASA, the U.S. National Science Foundation or Cornell University.
- Research community organizations that support STEM education. After-school programs, online learning cohorts and mentorship initiatives can provide additional opportunities for skill-building.
- After students develop foundational STEM skills, they should explore STEM programs offered at their schools. High school students can also research universities with strong STEM programs, while college students can research graduate programs or STEM career paths.
- Professionals can also learn STEM skills through online learning opportunities and workforce training programs. Some companies even offer upskilling programs for employees seeking roles in technology and innovation.
In addition to these steps , consider reaching out to organizations or companies that offer clear career paths for STEM students. Many also offer scholarships, financial assistance and career resources that connect students with industry professionals.
How internXL Connects Students With STEM Employers
One example of an organization that helps connect students with STEM career opportunities is internXL, an AI-driven platform that connects STEM students with paid internships and career-readiness training. internXL’s XL Academy is a great STEM resource for students seeking supplemental career readiness training. XL Academy’s learning paths offer students soft skill training, technical courses, enrichment resources and certification courses.
Robert F. Smith, an investor and entrepreneur who began his career as a chemical engineer, supports internXL and the opportunities for career experience, mentorship and industry exposure it provides.
For students looking to build in-demand STEM skills and become career-ready, internships are critical early-career experiences. For Smith, that experience began with an internship at Bell Labs.