Closing the Gap: Addressing STEM Workforce Challenges.

The article discusses the importance of resolving insufficient capacity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education program of the U.S. Ways in which STEM education insufficiency presents workforce challenges for higher education institutions and companies and jeopardizes the country's future economic competitiveness are addressed. The coalition inSPIRE STEM USA was formed by business and education organizations to promote policies connecting immediate high-skilled immigration reform with long-term investments in STEM education. Funding for state-level investments in STEM education via the proposed U.S. Immigration Innovation Act of 2013 is also discussed.