Business leaders in California 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. California students have made some 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. Elementary students spend very little time on science, and many of the state's science teachers say the lack the resources they need to succeed.