There is a growing concern in the U.S. over student performance in the areas of math and science. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranks the United States 21^st in math and 25th in science proficiency.  Clearly, our young people have misconceptions about these subjects! This attitude continues into their career choices.

Students appear to gravitate toward more high-profile, glamorous occupations when asked what they want to be when they grow up. In a recent educational conference, Dr. Graham Spanier, President of Penn State University, said, "This glamorization of certain careers is clearly a mismatch between what our country needs and what is happening."

Junior Achievement has added a variety of STEM positions that offer really cool, hands-on job responsibilities. STEM career exploration at JA BizTown is intended to showcase science and math in the real-world and to ignite a spark in students to have an interest in careers in these fields.