The Race to the Top (RTTT) federal grant program was an initiative that targeted improving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. However, the evaluation of the program reported only student outcomes for mathematics and reading/language arts. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of RTTT program on student achievement in science by comparing the performance of students in states with RTTT grant (treatment group) with the performance of students in states that did not receive RTTT (comparison group) grants. Using data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and difference in differences analytic approach the effects of RTTT on science achievement of 4th and 8th grade public school students and subgroups of students, traditionally underrepresented in STEM disciplines were estimated. The results show that RTTT had positive significant effect on science achievement of 4th graders overall and of the studied subgroups. A positive significant effect of RTTT was observed only for 8th graders' earth science achievement and 8th graders with low socioeconomic background. English language learners in both grades were not affected by the implementation of RTTT. The dissertation includes recommendations for policy makers to further expand the application of competitive education programs to innovate and improve public education. Suggestions for future research related to Race to the Top-District programs and effects of RTTT on science standards and curriculum are proposed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]