The debate over STEM or STEAM, while intense, only marks the beginning of what needs to happen in education.

Recognizing the vital role of the arts in the new economy may be the most important aspect of a 21st century education.

Paraphrasing the last line of the Declaration of Independence, Shriver said all of us need to "pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor" that the cuts to art education cannot be tolerated.

The data points for moving STEM to STEAM are becoming clearer, and the urgency of revisiting the current pedagogy used in pre-schools, K-12, and our universities, obvious.

Since 1992 the Institute has looked for "collaborations with other organizations that have potential for significant impact."

Researchers at the Media Lab, are letting their brains crack open, dreaming up big ideas, combining art and science and play, producing and presenting their demos, and inventing their future.