Why STEM is Fundamental to Every Student's Success and Our Collective Future

Imagine a student named Maya, a first-generation college freshman, walking into her introductory chemistry course both excited and apprehensive. Maya dreams of becoming a healthcare professional, which requires her to pass rigorous STEM courses that many students find intimidating. She's smart and driven, but the daunting reputation of these “weed-out” classes looms large, challenging her confidence.

Maya isn’t alone. Thousands of students like her, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, enter college with ambitions in STEM but are faced with barriers in their very first year. For many, passing—or failing—an introductory biology or chemistry course becomes a critical juncture, deciding whether they continue on their chosen path or veer away from it entirely. These early STEM courses often act as gatekeepers, and their success correlates directly with student retention and degree completion.

These disparities are not rooted in ability or passion but often in lack of access to learning opportunities that help all students thrive. Poor performance in early STEM courses leads many students to shift away from these fields, reducing both diversity and the number of graduates ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

At Labster, an immersive learning platform for science and math, we understand that these intro STEM courses can be either a barrier or a springboard. Engaging students like Maya is key to keeping them on track. In fact, 80% of students who use Labster report being more likely to continue enrolling in STEM courses. By fostering engagement and confidence in these critical first-year courses, Labster enables students to overcome early obstacles, turning aspiration into academic and career success.

The Ripple Effects of Success in STEM Education

When students succeed in introductory STEM courses, the impact extends far beyond just passing a class—it sets off a chain of positive outcomes that benefit students like Maya, their institutions, and society as a whole.

Improved Student Retention and Graduation Rates

For Maya, persisting through her first-year chemistry course could be the difference between completing her degree and leaving her dreams behind. Students who succeed in gateway STEM courses see retention rates up to 42% higher than those who struggle or fail early on. This success helps Maya build the confidence and skills she needs to tackle more advanced coursework, increasing her chances of staying enrolled and graduating. When Maya stays on track, her institution benefits as well, seeing an improvement in graduation rates that enhances its reputation and appeal to prospective students.

Increased Engagement and STEM Persistence

With each simulation Maya completes in Labster, she finds herself increasingly fascinated by STEM. These “hands-on” immersive experiences make her feel connected to the material, helping her see the relevance of chemistry beyond the textbook. Engaging and accessible learning experiences, like Labster, make students more likely to persist in their STEM majors, contributing to a more diverse and skilled STEM workforce. Research has shown students who use Labster as a pre-lab assignment are four times more likely to consider a career in STEM. For students like Maya, this means staying on a path toward a meaningful career in healthcare, environmental science, or technology, fields that rely on committed, skilled graduates.

Higher Academic Achievement and Career Readiness

The simulations aren’t just about getting Maya through her courses—they’re about equipping her with the foundational skills that will serve her in any career. Studies show that early success in STEM courses improves overall academic performance, with final exam scores and course grades increasing by a full letter grade on average for students who use Labster. Maya doesn’t just pass her class; she builds critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills that prepare her for future challenges. With this foundation, she enters the workforce with the confidence and competence to contribute meaningfully in her field.

Long-Term Benefits for Society and Innovation

As Maya moves forward in her studies and eventually graduates, she becomes part of a larger societal impact. A strong foundation in STEM prepares students to engage in problem-solving for real-world issues, from public health to sustainability. When students from diverse backgrounds succeed in STEM fields, they bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that enrich scientific progress and drive societal advancement. By investing in students like Maya, we’re not only supporting their personal success but also fostering a society that’s better equipped to tackle complex issues, driving economic growth, technological advancement, and global competitiveness.

Final Thoughts

Labster is here to empower students like Maya to navigate their academic journeys confidently, regardless of whether they become scientists or apply their critical thinking skills in other fields. STEM is fundamental, not just for individual success, but for the progress of our society as a whole. By making STEM accessible and engaging, Labster enables students to climb the ladder of academic and professional success, one simulation at a time.