Federal funding for STEM programs

A study issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) today reports that the federal government spent $2.8 billion in FY2004 for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Long a world leader in science and technology, the U.S. seeks to maintain its competitive advantage by increasing students and improving educational programs in these fields. This study reports on (1) the number of such federal programs funded in FY2004 and their effectiveness, (2) how students, graduates, and employees in STEM fields have changed over the years, and (3) factors affecting students' deciding to pursue STEM degrees and occupations, and ways to encourage more participation.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Programs and Related Trends
    Full report (PDF, 928K, 112p.)
    Highlights (PDF, 40K, 1p.)
    Abstract (HTML)
    All from GAO