Industry, academia, government grapple with dwindling STEM workforce.

• Author: Tadjdeh, Yasmin

* Just outside the nation's capital on March 15, a furious war was waged against invisible, online foes.

But the U.S. cyber troops toiling away at dozens of computer banks were not in the employ of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or even the military. In fact, none of them had graduated high school.

Fortunately for the students--who were participating in a program that grooms youth for science-related careers--the threat was simulated.

The program, called CyberPatriot, is one of dozens of new initiatives to stop the brain drain that officials worry has taken root in U.S. engineering and science fields.

Competing made an impression on Colin O'Brien, a 17-year-old from Corpus Christi, Texas, who had never considered a cyber-related career before engaging in the fictional war.

"This has really kind of introduced me to ... the amount of stuff you can do with settings on a computer, and how you can secure it against bad guys," said O'Brien at CyberPatriot's national competition in National Harbor, Md.

O'Brien is one example of a student taking part in the numerous efforts to teach and excite young people about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM.

While unemployment rates across the nation remain high, many STEM jobs remain vacant, with more positions expected to open as older workers retire in the corning years.

The problems associated with a weak STEM applicant pool can threaten national security, some experts have said. In response, industry, academia and the government have funneled millions of dollars into STEM-education initiatives. But the numbers aren't budging.

"Across the country, the number of young students interested in STEM is decreasing. This is causing a growing shortage of science-based talent in our workplaces and universities, and it represents a serious problem for our nation," Wes Bush, CEO and president of Northrop Grumman Corp. told National Defense in an email.

Science-based expertise is essential to the United States' economy and society, Bush said. Without a substantial growth in these fields, the country will be unable to sustain its leadership across the globe, he said.

In 2012, Northrop Grumman, along with its charitable arm, the Northrop Grumman Foundation, gave approximately $22.8 million to STEM-related groups, he said.

Various propositions have been thrown out to stop the talent hemorrhaging, including engaging potential STEM...