"To ensure students are equipped for the global economy we must eliminate the barriers that hinder achievement in math and science," Blunt said. "Our students' interest, achievement and success in math and science will have a direct and lasting impact on our state's economic viability and our ability to attract and retain jobs in the global marketplace of the future."

The governor's Math and Science Summit incorporated many of the ideas Blunt has gathered at school stops like Kennett across the state. A diverse planning committee representing business, education and government sectors helped plan the summit with the goal of convening stockholders to discuss ways to improve student knowledge in the areas of math, engineering, technology and science to better prepare them for the global economy.

Education continues to be Blunt's first budget and policy priority. He helped secure a $158 million increase for public schools this fiscal year and led a successful effort to craft a needs-based school funding formula. Blunt proposed an additional $167 million increase for schools in the next fiscal year and a $17.1 million increase for colleges and universities. The governor's Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative also paved the way to generate $450 million to enhance learning opportunities for students across the state and provide the basis to ensure Missouri remains a leader in the plant and science biotechnology industries.