“…our nation’s success depends on strengthening America’s role as the world’s engine of discovery
and innovation…leadership tomorrow depends on how we educate our students today—especially in science, technology, engineering and math. We know how important this is for our health. It’s important for our security. It’s important for our environment. And we know how important it is for our economy.”
– President Barack Obama

Here is PhRMA STEM Education Report 2014 highlighting the need for STEM to improve US competitiveness
http://www.fromhopetocures.org/the-importance-of-stem-education-to-biomedical-research/

Chinese students are blowing past their American counterparts in science and math scores – but support from new programs gives U.S. teenagers a chance to regain the lead. http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/wp/enterprise/new-programs-may-restore-u-s-high-schoolers-edge-over-china-in-math-and-science/