STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

Can the United States remain globally competitive?

Student performance in STEM fields may determine the answer. Recent research by MPR on students’ coursetaking in high school indicates that students are earning more STEM credits over time and that these gains are found across gender and racial/ethnic groups, as well as in different types of communities. View Report. Other analyses show that students are also increasing their coursetaking in communications technology and computer technology. View Report. A third report examines the relationship between taking science and technical courses and student achievement. View Report.

Preparing American students for STEM careers

The National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students (ITEST) program seeks to bring more students into STEM fields. Through grants supporting more than 130 projects in middle and high schools across the country, ITEST works to meet the projected shortfall in the professional STEM workforce in the U.S. For eight years, MPR has evaluated the work of the ITEST Learning Resource Center (LRC), its hub for technical assistance, communication, and dissemination of information on these projects. Visit the ITEST LRC online community.