Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
The United States is setting the stage to prepare students, teachers and practitioners in the areas of science, technology engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M.). When compared to other nations, the math and science achievement of U.S. pupils and the rate of S.T.EM. degree attainment appear inconsistent with a nation considered the world leader in scientific innovation. In a recent international assessment of 15-year old students, the U.S. ranked 28th in math literacy and 24th in science literacy.
Moreover, the U.S. ranks 20th among all nations in the proportion of 24-years-old who earn degrees in natural science or engineering. In the new global economy, cities need a workforce with the knowledge and skills to compete. A new workforce of problem solvers, innovators and inventors who are self-reliant and able to think logically is one of the critical foundations that drive innovative capacity. A key to developing these skills is strengthening science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) competencies in every K-12 student.
Students need an education with a solid foundation in S.T.E.M. areas so that they are prepared to both work and live in the 21st Century. Since the 1960's the demand for skills has changed significantly. The demands for routine manual task skills have decreased, while the demands for non-routine interactive task skills have increased significantly. Workforce projections for 2014 by the U.S. Department of Labor show that 15 of the 20 fast growing occupations require significant science or mathematics training to successfully compete for a job. 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional information technology (IT) jobs will increase 24% between 2010 and 2016. However, as jobs requiring a solid background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are growing; more students are choosing not to major in these areas.
Every year around the country urban communities are searching for summer activities to occupy the time for children. Between June and August statistics show that children lose some of their basic skills (math and reading) that were taught during the school year, resulting in "a summer brain drain". The S.T.E.M. Connection is a community catalyst igniting interest and retention of basic science and math for the child and parent.