Repeated studies show LEGO and other forms of playtime with building blocks can lead to improved outcomes in spatial orientation and related influences. These can be factors in increasing a child's opportunity to successfully navigate the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Studies by leading academics at universities including Johns Hopkins show the same thing over and over. Kids who play with blocks have a better shot in STEM fields. As Amy Shelton at Johns Hopkins put it, "If you want to build future STEM enthusiasts, you need to start with fundamental skills and they need to come early."

See more from JHU's Amy Shelton HERE.

As the CTC Job Board reflects, thousands of jobs in STEM career fields are open right now in California, and these opportunities show no signs of slowing down.

While more research needs to be done, the correlation between play with building blocks and a child's abilities in STEM-related skills seems clear. An excellent summary is available thanks to Parenting Science.

STEM careers are in higher demand than ever before. Learn more about the infinite opportunities on our Job Board, and if you're worried about American ingenuity, look for distant early warning in the summer turnout at LEGOLAND.