Over the coming decade, America will need one million more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals than was originally projected. This is the conclusion of a February 2012 report, "Engage to Excel: Producing One Million Additional College Graduates with Degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics". The report stresses the importance of exciting early on students who are potential STEM majors. It notes that the country must "improve the first two years of STEM education in college, provide all students with the tools to excel, [and] diversify pathways to STEM degrees". Those all-important first two years of STEM education for many students takes place at the often-overlooked community-college level. According to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), in 2008, community-college students made up 44 percent of all undergraduates and 43 percent of first-year students, including those who went on to pursue STEM careers. This article discusses how community colleges are giving students a framework for STEM careers.