Business leaders have long maintained that the nation's schools are not turning out enough people who go on to careers in science and technology.

A recent report in the Business Review of Western Michigan focused on the issue and spoke with Jack Luderer of Western Michigan Universitiy, who said that the quality of training for younger students is part of the problem.

"You've got to excite students about it early. At least no later than high school because it's hard to arrive on a college campus and say 'I'm going to take courses and then decide what I'm going to do.' That won't work with sciences. You've got to get started right away," he told the publication.

The report also noted that Massachusetts has a program that gives students more exposure to science careers, something that Luderer would like to duplicate in Michigan.

The shortage of American scientists is also comparable to a nationwide shortage of teachers who are skilled in math and science.

Those who do pursue careers in science will find a wide range of career opportunities and fields to explore. The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives one example as science technicians, who work in a variety of specialties and are expected to see a 12 percent jump in demand for their skills in the coming years.