Introduction: In the US, the news on the current and future workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is bleak. Kids in the US are woefully underperforming in mathematics and science. They are unlikely to enter the university with a STEM major in mind, and even when they do start out in a STEM major, the attrition rate in STEM subjects dwarfs that of other disciplines. Add to these problems the chronic underrepresentation in STEM of women and minorities and the (mis)perception that science and technology jobs are emigrating.

While the number of STEM graduates continue to drop, the demand for their expertise continue to increase (see expected job openings table below), leading to both frustration and anxiety of potential employers. Former Purdue President Martin C. Jischke spoke passionately on the grand history of STEM in the US and raised a "call to arms" for the public and private sectors to invest in STEM education, educators, and initiatives from kindergarten to college.

In addition to the increase need of STEM education, there is also a growing importance for students to be challenged with advanced level high school courses. A recent study from the University of Texas found that students who complete advanced coursed in high school are better prepared academically for college, more likely to specialize in more challenging majors, more likely to complete a college degree in four years, more likely to exercise leadership, more likely to graduate with a double major, and twice as likely to go into advanced study (PhD programs, medicine and law). 

In response to these findings and the growing importance of math, science, and technology in today’s workforce, Benton High School is proud to offer the STEM program to interested and qualified students.