Business leaders in West Virginia 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. West Virginia students have made scant progress in math over the past decade, and too many lack opportunities to learn challenging content to prepare them for college and careers. For example, students spend little time on elementary science, though eighth graders are more likely than their peers in other states to conduct hands-on investigations.