The fragmented path between K–12, higher education, and the US workforce is failing to adequately prepare learners for successful careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM). At LabXchange, we’re dedicated to addressing this challenge in collaboration with a growing network of mission-driven education organizations. With September being Workforce Development Month, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the work that has been going on to build this more prepared and future-ready STEMM workforce.

‍In May 2024, LabXchange joined the STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA), an initiative of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). As a cross-sector alliance of institutions and organizations working to prepare 20 million new professionals for roles in STEMM by 2050, a core pillar of the SOA's mission is workforce development and employment. This involves dismantling barriers to identifying, hiring, retaining, developing, and promoting individuals in STEMM from all communities and across all career pathways.

Watch a recent interview with Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez, director of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance, to learn more about preparing young people for a future in STEMM:

Since LabXchange joined the SOA, Dr. Nicole Sjoblom, LabXchange’s relationship manager, has been actively participating in workshops for planning and implementation, including an in-person workshop hosted by IBM in New York City in May 2025. These collaborative sessions have been vital to understanding current indicators and predicted trends, prioritizing factors the coalition should address to achieve its goals, and outlining attainable steps that alliance members will take. As the workshops build on each other, they support progress towards achieving the goals through tangible strategies.

As an online platform for science education, how can LabXchange contribute to effectively preparing the STEMM workforce of tomorrow? Bridging the gap between education and industry requires tools that showcase available STEMM occupations, clarify the essential skills and training required, and illuminate the pathways that lead to those careers. 

This is where LabXchange’s CareerXplorer comes in. CareerXplorer unites K–12 education, higher education, and STEMM industries into a free, streamlined career exploration tool that emphasizes career-connected learning through interactive content. Career duties and responsibilities within CareerXplorer are shaped by industry experts, who provide real-time insights into core job activities. Based on industry feedback as well as educational frameworks, we connect these duties to specific skills, defining which essential skills and foundational knowledge are required for a career.

LabXchange looks forward to continuing our collaboration with SOA partners as we further develop CareerXplorer. Stay tuned for more information about CareerXplorer’s beta launch in Fall 2025, and sign up to express interest in participating. In the meantime, check out a demo of CareerXplorer here.

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About LabXchange

LabXchange is an online platform developed at Harvard University that offers free access to quality science education resources, including virtual lab simulations and interactive learning experiences. Designed to promote scientific literacy and inclusivity, LabXchange empowers educators and students worldwide to explore, experiment, and collaborate in a digital learning environment.

About the STEMM Opportunity Alliance

The STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) is a coalition of partners committed to a community-developed shared strategy for progress and prosperity in the STEMM economy. SOA Partners commit to take on new collaborations, driving toward ambitious, measurable goals, and realigning their investments, actions, and accountability measures. 

SOA’s vision is to seamlessly connect all stages of a STEMM journey—from early engagement to education to work and innovation—ensuring future generations not only belong but can also thrive at every critical juncture while building STEMM expertise. 

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) serves as the backbone organization to support the network—coordinating the coalition, offering shared logistics and resources, and maintaining alignment across the shared goals.