STEM
Stem, Inc.
stock NYSE

This shit makes no sense to me lol. Its going to go up as long as companies keep saying theirs profit. 
Anecdotally though everyone around me is barely making it by. Even in a STEM degree salary work field. I have 0 idea how the lower 70% of people are making it. 

Not sure if this interests you please consider reading about 314 Action. That team is trying to get MDs and STEM professionals into actionable congressional roles. Like you they are addressing pain points from many view points. In addition, they address risks of a system based on what the Atlantic refers to as "An Oligarchy of Old People" by Idreas Kahloon
The Atlantic article was recently in the one story today newsletter and I think that you are courageous to address this gerontocracy as well. Furthermore, while my husband who is a retired MD may not concur, I work for another physician. He directs a Co political party. So like you he is concerned that this challenge lacks sustainability.

$CELZ Creative Medical Technologies has received a Notice of Allowance for a US patent titled "SUPPRESSION OF DIABETES USING EXOSOMES FROM STEM CELL PROGRAMMED MYELOID CELLS

Way too true. Sadly I know people with STEM backgrounds that can't seem to wrap their around the facts that the laws of math apply to numbers with dollar signs in front of them too.

I think the issue that it's very difficult for many to visualize that path anymore. Both between the instability and growing inequality of the last half-decade, but the total erosion of traditional paths: not just "go to college", but "go to college for STEM" isn't the guaranteed path to success anymore. 
It's also especially hard to commit to a decades-long investment path when you can't afford your student loans and every extra dollar is going towards affording a house (or, realistically for many, just rent and food). 
In some ways, it feels like those who said 2008-2012 was the best time because they could "buy the dip" in stocks and housing. Sure, but most people were just trying to *survive*. Can't buy the dip when you're eating the free dip from KFC.
Not that that toxic social media and low-effort get-rich scams aren't a problem. It absolutely is. But it's not like Gen Z devolved: the same human mind is there, it's just being pushed in ways older generations didn't.

I would say this fits into Quant developer rather that Quant research. Try to apply to a Quant developer position and pass their coding test. If you pass then you’re cut out for it. If you fail then you need more work/prep.
If you want to be a quant researcher specifically then you need MScFE or PhD in a STEM subject.