Business leaders in 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. Virginia students have already made progress in math over the past decade, yet large racial and ethnic achievement gaps persist. Not enough students in the state get the chance to learn challenging content that prepares them for college and careers. Students of color are least likely to have the least access to schools with science facilities or teachers with strong backgrounds in math and science.