Many studies have predicted there will be a great need for future workers skilled in jobs related to science, technology, engineering and math. In education, these areas of study are known as STEM. Research suggests it is important to get students involved in STEM subjects as early as possible, starting in middle school or even before. While STEM education programs have been increasing in many areas across America, there remains a lack of interest in the subjects by many younger students. The U.S. Department of Education has estimated that once students reach their last year of high school, only 16 percent are interested in a STEM career. A department study also found that even among those who do choose to study STEM subjects in college, only about half decide to work in a STEM-related job.