Throughout his tenure, U.S. President Barack Obama has been vocal about the nation's need to improve student performance and retention in STEM disciplines. His " Educate to Innovate " initiative seeks to increase STEM literacy among all students, increase student competency in STEM disciplines, and expand STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and girls. The president's 2013 education budget includes funding for programs and partnerships that aim to help the country meet an ambitious goal of a million additional American graduates in STEM over the next decade.