Business leaders in Kansas 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. Kansas students have made real progress in math over the past decade, yet not enough students--least of all minorities--get the chance to learn challenging content that prepares them for college and careers. Students of color are least likely to be in schools that have the resources they need in math and science, and few eighth graders of any race or ethnicity have teachers with an undergraduate major in math or science.