Business leaders in Tennessee cannot find the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent they need to stay competitive. Students' lagging performance in K-12 is a critical reason why. The good news is that the nation's most effective STEM education programs can help turn the tide. Students have made progress in math over the past decade, yet not enough students--least of all minorities--have the chance to learn challenging content to prepare them for college and careers. There is special cause for concern in science. Girls lag behind boys, not enough students conduct regular hands-on investigations and science teachers say they don't have the resources they need.