Business leaders in Massachusetts 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 ducation programs can help turn the tide. Massachusetts students outscore their peers in almost every other state on national tests of math and science, and they have made strong gains in math since 2003. Yet these gains have faltered in recent years, and the state's past success masks large racial gaps in student achievement and access to opportunity. Not enough students--least of all minorities--have the chance to learn rich and challenging content that prepares them for college and careers. Math and science teachers of low-income, black and Hispanic students are most likely to say they don't have the resources they need, and their schools are most likely to lack facilities and materials for science instruction.