Science education has been a controversial topic among employers and schools for years. Employers are demanding more STEM graduates, but schools are unable to meet the growing demand. Unemployment rates continue to rise while science, technology and engineering positions remain open and unfilled. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is critical to the United States' position in the global STEM research and design rankings. Currently, three of the top five spots in STEM research are occupied by Asian countries and, unfortunately, the United States is not even in the top 10 on the list. There was a time when the United States led the world in STEM research, but times have changed and today the United States lags behind many other countries in scientific innovation. Many U.S. citizens are unaware of the current state of the STEM education system and often boast about statuses that the United States no longer has. Educators and businesses are partnering to increase interest in STEM among school-aged children and teens. They hope their efforts will increase the number of high school graduates entering degree programs in STEM fields. Some efforts are described in this article, along with their successes and failures. The demand for STEM graduates is staggering, but with only six percent (AUVIS Foundation) of high school graduates entering and earning bachelor's degrees in STEM fields, the demand is not being met. encounter. The number of open positions in STEM fields has been increasing rapidly since 1982, but the United States continues to issue the same number of STEM bachelor's degrees each year, with far fewer master's and doctorate degrees. Currently, the U....... middle of paper ......d. May 8, 2012. Preview of No Child Left Behind. February 4, 2004. May 10, 2012. Raytheon. Initiatives. August 9, 2011. May 10, 2012. Rycik, James A. “FOCUS ON SCIENCE EDUCATION.” American Secondary Education 35.3 (2007): 6-6. Santrock, John. “Approaches to Educating Students.” Santrock, John. Adolescence. Dallas: McGraw Hill, 2011. 424-432.TI. Corporate citizenship. November 2011. May 2, 2012. Verma, Alok K, Daniel Dickerson and Sue McKinney. “Engaging Students in STEM Careers with Project-Based Learning – Project MarineTech.” Professor of Technology and Engineering 71.1 (2011): 25-31. Waters, John K. "Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em!" » THE Review 38.2 (2011): 30-35.