The United States of America has seen a decline in the number of individuals pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM. With an understanding that in order to stay competitive in the global economy, the United States must enhance its pipeline towards STEM disciplines. Schools must find a way to motivate and encourage students to pursue careers in the STEM fields. This executive position paper examines the current status of STEM programming within a traditional K-12 school system in New Jersey. The paper highlights the needs within this district. Furthermore, the paper investigates the best practices that exist in other educational settings that would enable the development and enhancement of STEM within the district. The recommendations that result from this study are a basis for the establishment of a STEM plan and program. [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://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]