Math is used in practically every type of career. In fact, mathematics is considered to be the main building block in more than 80 different career types. From architects to teachers, mastering this subject is crucial. Quite clearly, our nation needs to find a way to bridge the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills gap that has been forming in recent years.

According to the ACT reports, only 44 percent of U.S. high school graduates in 2013 were prepared for college-level mathematics, with that amount dropping to 36 percent for college-level science. If these students aren’t excelling in these subjects before reaching the post-secondary level, it will become much more difficult to get them onto the STEM path once they’re there. Since at least 20 percent of all jobs in the United States require knowledge of one or more STEM field, it’s vital that we start making changes in how we approach this area.

That’s where Samsung comes into play. The biggest consumer electronics business in the world with over 8,000 employees in the U.S.. Samsung has decided that in order for more individuals to excel in STEM skills, we have to prepare students today for their future. The process starts with getting students motivated about the topics they’re learning in school. However, this goal could prove to be quite difficult to achieve considering the fact that only one-fifth of teachers say that they have the right level of technology in their room.

To help with this issue, Samsung developed the Solve for Tomorrow competition, which calls for students and teachers across the nation to use STEM to help out in their communities. By aiding their neighborhood, schools can win all sorts of classroom technology like tablets and smart boards. However, it’s more than that. While winning items is always encouraging, it’s the community-based learning that peaks students interest in STEM. While there are rewards that come with taking an active part in STEM, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition aims to inspire students to discover their love for STEM and all it involves.