STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM in the curriculum focuses on providing students with an in-depth knowledge of STEM-specific subjects through real-world learning, investigation, and evidence-based explanations.

STEAM takes STEM education a step further by integrating “Arts” into the acronym, encompassing language arts, drama, graphic design, visual arts, music, and new media.

The extra “A” expands the initial focus on hands-on investigation to include process-driven inquiry, design, and creativity. STEAM also emphasizes valuable soft skills like communication, collaboration, and innovation.

The Toy Man® "STEAM Award" is designed to give recognition to not just the STEM curriculum, but the added advantage in education of the expanded focus that provides higher probability of employment from added education.