In the last 3 decades, Costa Rica has evolved its approaches to both education and the economy as a result of globalization and direct foreign investments. The presence of multinational corporations (MNCs) have played a key role in the approaches that the government has made to increase its human capital and meet the needs of MNCs with a knowledge-ready workforce. Changes during the last 3 decades to improve its educational practices and policies have helped the country by preparing students with the 21st-century skills needed to compete in the global economy. The purpose of this case study was to understand the influence of globalization and MNCs on educational practices and curriculum and the development of 21st-century skills in the Costa Rican educational systems. Rica. This study also identified the economic future and importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Mandates to increase STEM opportunities have included the National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF), an initiative that has provided students the ability to build their capacity and develop 21st-century skills. The analysis of this study revealed that Costa Rica is focused on increasing its human capital to compete in the global job market through STEM education and a focus on preparing students with 21st-century skills. The study has implications for educational leaders, government officials, and business investors regarding their commitment to increase human capital through STEM education due to its potential impact on the country's economic future. The study also contributes to the body of work about the impact that the NSEF has had on the goal for the development of 21st-century skills and, most importantly, on the interest of students to pursue and work in jobs related to the STEM field. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]