Business leaders in Iowa 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. Student performance in K-12 math and science has not moved far since 2003, and large racial and ethnic achievement gaps persist, as in all states. Not enough students get the chance to learn rich and challenging content that prepares them for college and careers, and few eighth graders--least of all students of color--have teachers with an undergraduate major in math or science.