Regarding the editorial "Investing in futures: A five-year local push in education's STEM":

Usually there is little action. All too often we discuss, study and discuss some more significant issues of national importance. This is especially true of STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math --and we see it often at the national level. The problem is well known. So, the action by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice to contribute $2.5 million to schools in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, in order to help solve this problem, is unique and dramatic. Not more talk here but action to solve the issue.

The Air Force Association is a national 501(c)(3) education association, with 120,000 members and 220 chapters, headquartered in Washington, D.C. The AFA supports STEM through its CyberPatriot high-school competitions, its Elementary STEM Orientation -- college students teaching elementary students --and many other well-recognized national programs. We are the recipient of many awards for our work in STEM, so we know the value of STEM support.

As a 25-year Sarasota resident, I am proud this effort is being undertaken in my community, and I will brag to everyone I know.

S. Sanford Schlitt, Sarasota

The writer is the AFA's vice chairman, board of directors, aerospace education. Reprinted with permission.