If you are interested in studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), you are not alone – the popularity of these programs is growing among students around the world.

The United States government considers STEM a priority and encourages students to study in these programs. STEM contributes to job creation and innovation for the United States, and graduates play a role in adding to the competitiveness of the United States in the global economy.

President Barack Obama is encouraging students to study STEM through programs like the "100,000 Strong in the Americas" initiative.The United States also began another collaborative initiative with the United Kingdom called the Global Innovation Initiative (GII), which aims to strengthen higher education research partnerships between the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries including Brazil, China, India and Indonesia. The GII awards grants to universities with programs focusing on STEM.

Sources:

• Global Innovation Initiative; Institute of International Education