While states and the federal government have put efforts in place to increase the size of the workforce trained in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to meet innovation demands, there continues to be a nationwide shortage of students who are interested in and prepared for such careers. Missouri is no exception to this problem, one which threatens to impact the country's ability to compete in the global economy. The percent of Missouri 12th graders with both interest in and skills for success in STEM is low. Only 17 percent of Missouri 12th grade students are both proficient in math and interested in STEM, mirroring the nation. Overall, a huge number of Missouri students--71 percent--are not interested in STEM at all. Missouri's African American students are far less likely than their peers to have the math proficiency necessary to pursue STEM education. Missouri's female students are underrepresented in STEM interest and math proficiency. Few students enrolled in Missouri's two-year college programs are academically ready for STEM. Many math-proficient Missouri students already enrolled in four-year colleges are not interested in STEM. Many Missouri students are on the edge of both math proficiency and STEM interest. (Contains 3 figures and 1 footnote.)