This issue brief is focused on state efforts to improve education in science, technology, engineering, and math--collectively known as the "STEM" disciplines. The brief is largely based on a March, 2009 American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF) field trip to Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, and describes Ohio's success in advancing STEM education across the state. This issue brief frames the overall issue of STEM education and describes the elements of Ohio's STEM strategy, including building a statewide STEM agenda; creating the capacity to advance a STEM agenda; the role of communication and visibility in advancing STEM education; a regional approach to STEM education; approaches and challenges to STEM education at the school level; and the lessons to be learned from Ohio's work. The brief concludes with state policy recommendations for advancing STEM education. (Contains 9 endnotes.)