Ninety-four percent of Washington voters believe every child should have access to a high quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in the state’s K-12 public schools, but just 45 percent believe schools are delivering, according to a new poll.

According to the new poll commissioned by Washington STEM, a nonprofit advancing excellence, innovation and equity in STEM education in Washington state, Washington voters view STEM education as critical for preparing Washington state’s students for success. Washington voters endorse a variety of state actions to ensure all young people have access to STEM education and to ensure Washington is developing a world-class workforce. As lawmakers grapple with historic decisions about the state’s education system, the poll shows strong public support for STEM education from cradle to career.

“Washington students need a stronger foundation in STEM to prepare them for college, work and life,” said Patrick D’Amelio, chief executive officer at Washington STEM. “This poll shows that Washingtonians want our leaders to do more to ensure that all young people have access to a high-quality STEM education.”

Poll respondents strongly supported giving more K-12 teachers training and a computer science curriculum (91 percent), expanding the number of K-12 public schools in Washington that offer computer science classes (90 percent) and increasing the capacity of Washington state colleges and universities to graduate more Washington students with computer science degrees (85 percent).