Why STARBASE?
DoD STARBASE offers a positive, proven approach to attract and inspire STEM talent to support current and future workforce requirements.
- In 2024, just 39% of US 4th graders were rated at or above proficient in a national mathematics assessment (NAEP), and nearly 1 in 4 scored below the basic level.
- Only 29% of US high school graduates in 2024 met the ACT College Readiness Benchmark in mathematics and 30% in science.
- STEM occupations are projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, compared to 2% growth for non-STEM occupations.
2023-24 United States Student Statistics
4th Grade Math Proficiency 39%
4th Grade Below Basic Level Math 24%
High School Graduates Not Meeting the ACT STEM Benchmark 85%
High School Graduates Not Meeting the ACT Math Benchmark 71%
High School Graduates Not Meeting the ACT Science Benchmark 70%
Sources:
2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
National Science Board NSB 2024-5
The ACT Profile Report - National 2024