By Ariel Yuan
~5 minutes
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM. These cornerstones of development drive 69% of America’s GDP, fuel two-thirds of national jobs, and bring in 2.3 trillion dollars of tax revenue according to IEEE USA 2020. One critical engine lies within these numbers: education.
Strong STEM programs like the Every Student Succeeds Act powered generations of American workforce and provided the U.S. with an edge in global competition. As the Fiscal Year 2026 “skinny budget” jeopardizes funding at the Department of Education, it becomes crucial to protect funding that supports national progress (Haring 2025).
The Problem:
As the United States continues to cut STEM from its federal budget, America faces barriers in empowering underserved populations and boosting national advancements. The FY 2026 federal budget reflects how national priorities are shifting away from education: In 2025: the government cut nearly five billion dollars from the National Science Foundation, which aims to increase STEM access (Acenet 2025). Additionally, 773 million dollars in research grants were cut at the NSF (Miller 2025).
But why do education cuts hit STEM the most? Science and technology require hands-on labs, updated equipment, and specialized teachers. These factors demand substantial investment. If funding evaporates, so does support for minorities in STEM; programs serving Black students and those with autism have already been cut (Miller 2025). Educational budget cuts harm minorities considerably, as they often rely the most on federal funding. Other underprivileged populations, including women, are also on the chopping block.
Moreover, cuts to the support for academics interfere with national interests. STEM increases America’s global competitiveness and supports domestic economies as it drives technological innovations that set America as the leader in tech. When STEM declines federally, talented innovators may relocate to another country for better funding. Without STEM education funding, America risks deepening existing inequities in education and a fall from grace in the global race for innovation.
Diving Into STEM Programs:
One of the most effective federal education programs is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which upholds education for high-need students (Office for Civil Rights 2025). Specifically, Title IV Part A of the act is a Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program that funds state and local agencies. SSAE grants provide an estimated $1.38 billion of funding to improve learning conditions and boost technology use (OESE 2025).
Despite the program’s benefits, it faces severe challenges in funding. Although the program was authorized in Congress to receive up to $1.6 billion, it only reached $1.38 billion in 2024 (Sutton 2020). Falling short of the authorized amount means less funding for each district. Even worse, the federal budget for FY 2026 dissolves the program through its consolidation with seventeen other grants. The grants will be merged into one K-12 Simplified Funding initiative, eliminating $4.5 billion of funding (Lieberman & Stone, 2025). The removal of SSAE grants means a lack of federal enforcement on STEM-related spending. Wealthier districts may still support STEM initiatives through other channels, but low-income districts relying on federal funds are left further behind.
Even when SSAE was active, Section 4109 of ESSA restricted funds for purchasing devices, software, or planning digital learning activities to 15% (“Title IV, Part A Statute,” 2025). In America, 92% of jobs require digital skills, and pay increases by 45% for workers who have them (National Skills Coalition 2023). The 15% cap is a deadly trap for low-income students and limits their career opportunities and economic mobility. Issues with SSAE perpetuate a cycle of inequity, entrenching students further in poverty and weakening America’s future workforce.
The Solution:
Addressing the decline in SSAE programming requires a two-pronged legislative solution:
- Revive SSAE grant and raise to authorized 1.6 billion level.
- Lift the 15% cap on tech spending
Together, these actions allow for more funding allocation to STEM. More funding directly counters cuts in STEM spending. The steps protect specialized programs funded by SSAE and close the education wealth gap. Districts will receive adequate support and decide how to prioritize STEM. Low-income districts may choose to upgrade student Chromebooks, while wealthier ones may choose to hire more STEM teachers. All states can prepare the future workforce well and maintain America’s global competitive edge.
The status quo of underfunded classrooms, outdated technology, and limited opportunity leaves millions of students behind and weakens national economic foundations. The education of today is the workforce of tomorrow. We must not trade long-term growth for short-term cuts – the time to act is now.
Youth Stemline 