Looking for STEM research to support your project? Explore curated reports from our Research & Advocacy Committee, focused on STEM in Nebraska and across the United States.
Nebraska Reports
Nebraska Department of Labor (2024)
View STEM occupation data from the Department of Labor including the 2022-2032 Long-term Occupational Projections, a deeper look at Nebraska’s STEM occupations by region and Job Family, and a periodic table of STEM occupations in Nebraska. Read More
UNO Center for Public Affairs Research (2022)
The Nebraska Women in STEM report presents qualitative research based on interviews with Nebraska women working in science, technology, engineering, and math professions to identify the barriers they face in recruitment, retention, and career advancement, and offers participant-informed recommendations to improve gender equity and representation in the state’s STEM workforce. Read More
NSWERS Brief on Talent Retention in Nebraska
Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System (2024)
This research brief from NSWERS analyzes Nebraska’s longstanding challenge of “brain drain” by examining the factors that influence whether college graduates remain and work in the state, and offers evidence-based strategies such as promoting internships and meaningful in-state work experiences to strengthen retention and support workforce and economic growth in Nebraska. Read More
Nebraska Higher Education Progress Report
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (2025)
The 2025 Nebraska Higher Education Progress Report from the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of trends in Nebraska’s postsecondary education system including enrollment, retention, graduation, and migration of educated residents, and offers insights to support progress toward statewide educational attainment goals. Read More
National Reports
Metropolitan areas with the highest concentrations of STEM employment
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024)
View data on Metropolitan areas with the highest concentrations of STEM from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read More
Finding New Career Paths: 2021 Gallup-2U Boot Camp Graduates Study
Gallup (2021)
This study analyzes survey data from adults who completed tech boot camp programs to assess post-graduation career outcomes, finding that many graduates experienced increased earnings, higher employment in STEM fields, greater job satisfaction, and a quick return on investment following completion of the boot camps. Read More
Study Shows 2U Tech Boot Camp Grads See Quick ROI
Gallup (2022)
More highlights from the Gallup-2U Tech Boot Camp Graduates Study, showing that adults who completed tech boot camps reported a quick return on investment within the first year after graduation. Also offers evidence on how short-term tech credential programs can support career and income gains. Read More
Tech Boot Camps Linked to Higher Pay, STEM Jobs
Gallup (2022)
More highlights from the Gallup-2U Tech Boot Camp Graduates Study, showing that adults who completed tech boot camps reported substantial salary increases and earnings comparable to or exceeding those of bachelor’s degree holders. Read More
Boot Camp Grads Nearly 4x Happier With Jobs After Graduation
Gallup (2022)
More highlights from the Gallup-2U Tech Boot Camp Graduates Study, showing that adults who completed tech boot camps reported being 4x happier with jobs after graduation. Read More
STEM Gender Gaps Significant Among Gen Z
Gallup (2023)
This Gallup analysis reports findings from the Voices of Gen Z survey showing significant gender gaps in interest and preparation for STEM careers among U.S. Generation Z youth, with male respondents substantially more likely than female respondents to express interest in STEM fields especially engineering and technology and female respondents more likely to cite lack of confidence and lower exposure to core STEM concepts as barriers to pursuing these careers. Read More
Walton Family Foundation-Gallup Voices of Gen Z: Perspectives on STEM Education and Careers
Gallup (2024)
This report from Gallup presents survey research on attitudes of Generation Z students toward STEM fields, finding that while a large majority express interest in STEM careers, far fewer plan to pursue them and many lack exposure to hands-on STEM learning and foundational concepts in school, highlighting gaps between interest, preparation, and educational experiences that influence future STEM engagement and career pathways. Read More
Urban Institute (2022)
View data from the Urban Institute on key conditions affecting upward mobility from poverty and racial equity in communities. Read More
K-12 STEM Education For the Future Workforce: A Wish List for the Next Five Year Plan
Federation of American Scientist (2024)
This report argues that strengthening K-12 STEM education is essential for preparing the future U.S. workforce in high-demand science and technology fields and for maintaining national economic competitiveness and security. It outlines current challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations to improve equity, research and development, and career-relevant learning pathways in STEM education. Read More
