STEM is the acronym for the academic subjects Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Yet, STEM is far more than these four subjects. It is a movement to develop the deep mathematical and scientific understandings students need to be competitive in the 21st-century workforce. At the same time, it creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.

A STEM education brings prosperity, preparedness and opportunity. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of STEM jobs will grow 17 percent, as compared to 12 percent for non-STEM jobs. At all levels of educational attainment, STEM job holders earn 11 percent higher wages compared to their same-degree counterparts in other jobs¹. Almost all of the 30 fastest-growing occupations in the next decade will require at least some background in STEM².