A growing program at the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ at Boulder is working to combat what many experts call a looming crisis brought on by a shrinking pool of new K-12 science teachers. Known as the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Learning Assistant project, its goal is to improve introductory math and science classes at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder and to recruit and train future K-12 science teachers, according to Valerie Otero, director of the program and an assistant professor in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder's School of Education.