Minnesota has long been a national leader when it comes to education.Yet if we are going to continue that success, it is essential that we address some of the challenges that will face our state in the near future. For example, in the next 10 years, jobs in scientific and technical fields are forecasted to increase in Minnesota by 20 to 33 percent. Unfortunately, far too few Minnesota students are expressing interest in exploring those fields. Recent data from the ACT Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS) showed that only 10 percent of Minnesota eighth-graders and about 21 percent of Minnesota tenth-graders expressed interest in pursuing careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Through several initiatives proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the Minnesota Department of Education is working with education, business and community leaders to encourage more students to participate in the STEM fields. For example, as part of a partnership established by the governor, Massachusetts-based global PTC Software Company is donating millions of dollars worth of software to Minnesota schools in the form of their Pro/ENGINEER Schools Edition software. I encourage teachers and school districts who are interested in participating in the program to contact PTC at 781-370-5528, or they can visit the Minnesota Technology Education Association Web site at www.mtea.net for a current training schedule and cost information.Through these kinds of initiatives, we can prepare Minnesota students for the global economy and carry forward Minnesota’s standing as a national leader in education.Commissioner Alice Seagren, Minnesota Department of Education