In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics named Minnesota the fastest-growing state in the nation for technology jobs. Many professional trade associations in the Minnesota technology sectors report future workforce shortages in the tens of thousands over the next decade. Yet, concurrently, data from ACT college testing in 2017 indicates that not enough Minnesota students are equipped for these STEM opportunities - only 24% (14,500 students) of the 60,000 students tested met the ACT benchmark for college readiness in STEM, only 10,200 (17%) planned to pursue a STEM major or career and had a measured interest score supporting that choice.

Science from Scientists (SciSci) is working to help educators address these workforce needs and achievement gaps with its innovative during-school program to ensure that elementary and middle school science programs provide opportunities for ALL students to develop the understanding and skills they will need to function productively as problem-solvers in a scientific and technological world.