In the early 1960s, The United States had three times as many scientists as countries such as the Soviet Union. It was spending seven times more money on scientific research than Europe. The United States had made 80 percent of all scientific discoveries from the 1930s to the 1960s. Not surprisingly, the United States has been the dominant science superpower since the 1950s.

The United States owes its status to its investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. However, other countries are catching up by offering STEM scholarships, STEM education programs, improved infrastructure, numerous research opportunities, and active government support. 

China has overtaken Japan and is currently ranked second in authorship of scientific journals and research papers in the world. Its scientific output has grown by 50 percent in the last three years, while top-ranked America's output has only grown by 30 percent in the past decade.

Investing in STEM education helps nations and individuals enjoy robust growth prospects. Students completing STEM education programs enjoy the following:
- More job opportunities 
- Better remuneration 
- Better growth prospects 
- Long-term stability in their careers 

According to data analyzed by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration, men and women enjoy a 50 percent STEM premium compared to the hourly wages of those working in non-STEM areas. Women suffer from a 21 percent wage gap in non-STEM jobs. This falls to 14 percent for women who have completed STEM programs, and the gap narrows drastically for women who have majored in computers, mathematics, or engineering.

Focusing on college education and offering STEM scholarships to college students will not suffice. Those who obtain STEM degrees typically start to show interest in science by age 11. This means that interest in science and mathematics must be nurtured and encouraged during childhood.

With this challenge in mind MicroEmpowering.org launched an App called Curiosity School – STEM education series. The app is available for FREE @iTunes store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/curiosity-school-stem-series/id521507118?mt=8