Efforts to engage more Idaho students and teachers in science and math education appear to be showing some success, educators say.

Idaho began emphasizing programs to develop more student interest in science, technology, engineering and math beginning about three years ago. Getting more students into those fields is seen as one way to meet business needs for employees in high-tech fields.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reports jobs in those fields grew three times faster than other jobs over the past decade. The report also shows that employees in science, technology, engineering and math fields earn a quarter more than those in other fields.

In Idaho, educators report increased interest by students who are exposed to programs that emphasize the fields. At the University of Idaho, outreach programs exposing students in kindergarten through 12th grade to science, technology, engineering and math result in students wanting more instruction, and they often come back for additional programs, said James Gregson, coordinator of the university’s STEM outreach program.

For more details, pick up Tuesday’s Idaho Statesman.