Business leaders in Connecticut cannot find the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent they need to stay competitive. Students' lagging performance in K-12 is a critical reason why. The good news is that the nation's most effective STEM education programs can help turn the tide. Connecticut students have made little progress in math over the past decade, and not enough students--least of all minorities--get the chance to learn challenging content that prepares them for college and careers. The state faces some of the biggest racial and ethnic achievement gaps in the nation.