"Given the rapid speed of change in today's global marketplace, a country must invest in its greatest asset-its people-and train them to excel in science, technology, engineering, and math [STEM]." Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers

A skilled workforce is the backbone of a successful and competitive economy. Unfortunately, here in the United States, we are falling behind on educating people in the STEM fields that are vital to the technology careers that our society depends on.

At Cisco, we are working to change that through our educational investments, particularly our Networking Academy program.

Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers is featured by STEMconnector? in its 100 CEO Leaders in STEM publication for his vision in this area.

"It is all about CEO commitment," says STEMconnector? CEO Edie Fraser."We are collectively humbled by the caliber of the entries and salute and congratulate all of those included."

The selection process included mapping over 300 CEOs and thorough research was conducted to collect material in three aspects: 1) CEO's background and career; 2) the company's STEM position within the industry and 3) the company's specific items and lines of action around STEM.

In the publication, John writes about how Cisco continues to evolve Networking Academy to address the changing needs of STEM education and the unique skills required for today's workforce.

"We, together with our partners in business, government, and academia, are helping educate the future of our country." John writes. "We are building a 'next-generation' workforce that will be able to address the technical needs of its communities and countries."

The publication is being unveiled for the first time today during the 2013 STEM Solutions Summit, presented byUS News and World Reportin Austin, Texas.

Please read more and see the full list of 100 CEOs.