The country needs more STEM-educated workers. And K–12 schools are preparing students now for the jobs of the future.

Over the past 60 years, the U.S. public education system has promoted greater science and math programs in its schools, in part as a response to increased global competition and to ensure economic prosperity.

The more recent push for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs in schools is one of several rallying forces within public education, sparking curiosity in children of all economic and ethnic backgrounds. When students have a good science program available to them, their math and reading scores rise, said David Evans, President and CEO of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

But the real challenge is educating children now for future jobs that don’t yet exist, said Evans.

This is only an excerpt. In the full article, you can learn:

• How public-private partnerships have become goldmines of opportunity for schools to build career paths for students
• The story behind two pockets of innovation in Southern US schools
• How Discovery Education STEM Connect was built from the ground up based on insights from education leaders

Discovery Education STEM Connect is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary K-8 resource designed to enhance core curriculum and bring STEM to life in your classrooms. Learn More about STEM Connect