Careers in the science, technology, engineering and math fields are lucrative and growing. But more than two-thirds of community college students who declare a STEM major don’t complete that degree, according to a 2013 report by the National Center for Education Statistics.

There are a wide range of fields that fall under the STEM umbrella.​ Community college can be a starting point for students who pursue STEM careers that require advanced degrees or an avenue for students to earn an associate degree and other certifications. ​

"Community college is a good first stop because of the price​, for one thing, and I feel it gives you a really good quality education," says Andrew Constantine, a 19 year-old freshman at Southern Maine Community College.

Money issues, insufficient math and science skills and unfamiliarity with STEM careers and the college process are some of the reasons students don't stick with STEM, according to a report​ produced last year by Hanover Research, a global marketing firm. ​

But teens who are interested in tapping into the benefits of community college and a STEM career can set themselves up for success by taking the following steps​.