Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations are critical to the nation's 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 the nation is not producing enough STEM workers to compete successfully in the global economy. The authors find that this concern is warranted--but not for the reasons traditionally claimed. This report discusses what it takes to help advance STEM in the country. (Contains 21 footnotes.) [For the full report, "STEM: Science Technology Engineering Mathematics," see ED525297.]