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Our nation’s children deserve better.The 21st century’s reliance on technology is accelerating. Artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and other emerging technologies are transforming the way we live—and the way we work. But are we keeping up with this acceleration? Are we on pace to cultivate individuals that have the foundational science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and skills needed to meet these new times? The answer is no. But we are here to change that.The voices in this book represent the growing number of superintendents across the country who are dedicated to changing our education system and putting students at the center of it. They have the great responsibility of shaping young minds, developing responsible citizens, and training a workforce for the continued economic vitality of this great nation. Yet, when conversations about economic and workforce development are being had, they are often not at the table. No longer! We are here to amplify their voices so they can join the conversation and effect real change.Here are some of the topics they address to get us started:The importance of STEM and early accessCreating opportunities for generational changeBringing dreams closer to studentsThe importance of STEM to post-pandemic pedagogy and community buildingCoding: the new universal languageExpanding opportunities by leveraging community partnershipsIt takes a village to raise a 21st-century graduate. And the community is our village, with the school district being at the heart—it must be the center of this much needed 21st-century education, workforce, and economic transformation. It’s time to secure a prosperous future, for our students, our industries, our country, and our world. And we must start in the new 21st century classroom, where hybrid, blended, and remote learning provide educational access to all, no matter where they live, what school they attend, or what background they come from. It won’t be an easy task, but with so much at stake, we need to leverage all we can to make these changes.It is the students of today that will determine the direction and success of tomorrow. And it is up to us to prepare them. Let’s get started!"