STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education aims to integrate these subjects into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. The focus of STEM education is hands-on, problem-based learning, which helps students succeed in college and in their future careers.

STEM education is a pressing need as the number of jobs grows, but there are not enough trained workers to fill them. Receiving a STEM education allows students to gain employment and lead the nation’s advanced technology sectors. STEM literacy means gainful employment in higher-earning jobs for today and tomorrow’s workforce.

STEM education is not just about teaching the four subjects in isolation, but rather about integrating them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. STEM education makes learning “real” and gives students opportunities to see the connection between the content they are studying and the application of that content in authentic and relevant ways. STEM education is an experiential learning pedagogy in which the application of knowledge and skills are integrated through in-context projects or problems focused on learning outcomes tied to the development of important college and career readiness proficiencies.

STEM education is a key portion of the public education agenda of the United States. The Department of Education offers a number of STEM-based programs, including research programs with a STEAM emphasis, STEAM grant selection programs, and general programs that support STEM education. The Biden-Harris Administration has launched the "Raise the Bar: STEM Excellence for All Students" initiative to strengthen STEM education and ensure 21st-century career readiness and global competitiveness for all students.