Any kind of literacy, that is, a breadth of transferable skills allowing those proficient to participate, contribute, and extend their understanding into multiple arenas, is empowering. You rightly point out that technology literacy is one of these. As an English instructor, I am grateful that STEM incorporates the need for a certain level of language proficiency as well. STEM, while powerful, falls short as a magic wand to sweep away all educational ills. What it does do is engage students in a rigorous pursuit that provides the excitement of the unknown, creativity, and game-type challenges at the same time.