STEM: Science Technology Engineering Mathematics.

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations are critical to our continued economic competitiveness because of their direct ties to innovation, economic growth, and productivity, even though they will only be 5 percent of all jobs in the U.S. economy by 2018. The disproportionate influence of STEM raises a persistent concern that we are not producing enough STEM workers to compete successfully in the global economy. We find that this concern is warranted--but not for the reasons traditionally claimed.