This qualitative study sought to understand how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Project-Based Learning (PBL) can be used to help Costa Rican students gain and participate in the global knowledge-based economy of the 21st century. The purpose was to examine the influence that globalization, foreign direct investment, and multinational corporate responsibility have on the curriculum and practices in schools and on economic growth. This study also examined how the mandated national science and technology fair influences the use of STEM PBL. In order to grow the economy, the government must implement policies like the science fair mandate that foster the implementation of STEM programs. The major gains in curriculum and instruction lead to 21st Century Skills. Students value STEM education and incorporate it into their everyday lives. As a result, two implications for practice surfaced in this study. The first is the need for a national STEM curriculum and increased teacher training. The second is the need for education and preparation in STEM-related curriculum. [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.]