Fairfax County Public Schools launched a comprehensive STEM curriculum this week, affecting all 198 schools and 180,000 students in the district.

The new program emphasizes project-based learning, coding education starting in elementary school, and partnerships with local tech companies for mentorship and internships.

"We're preparing students for careers that don't yet exist," said Superintendent Michelle Reid. "These skills—critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration—are essential for success in the 21st century."

The initiative includes a $50 million investment in new science labs, maker spaces, and technology infrastructure. Several schools will pilot robotics programs and coding boot camps.