The United States is a world leader in scientific and technological innovation. To help maintain this advantage, the federal government has spent billions of dollars on education programs in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for many years. However, concerns have been raised about the nation's ability to maintain its global technological competitive advantage in the future. The testimony in this report is based on the October 2005 report and presents information on: (1) trends in degree attainment in STEM- and non-STEM-related fields and factors that may influence these trends; (2) trends in the levels of employment in STEM- and non-STEM-related fields and factors that may influence these trends; and (3) federal education programs intended to support the study of and employment in STEM-related fields. For this report, the researchers analyzed survey responses from 13 civilian federal departments and agencies; analyzed data from the Departments of Education and Labor; interviewed educators, federal agency officials, and representatives from education associations and organizations; and interviewed students. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that while postsecondary enrollment has increased over the past decade, the proportion of students obtaining degrees in STEM fields has fallen. In academic year 1994-1995, about 519,000 students (32 percent) obtained STEM degrees. About 578,000 students obtained STEM degrees in academic year 2003-2004, accounting for 27 percent of degrees awarded. Despite increases in enrollment and degree attainment by women and minorities at the graduate level, the number of graduate degrees conferred fell in several STEM-related fields from academic year 1994-1995 to academic year 2003-2004. College and university officials and students most often cited subpar teacher quality and poor high school preparation as factors that discouraged the pursuit of STEM degrees. Suggestions to encourage more enrollment in STEM fields include increased outreach and mentoring. (Contains 20 footnotes, 1 table, and 3 figures.) [This report was published by the United States Government Accountability Office.]