The University System of Maryland (USM) is the Maryland's public higher education system, comprised of 12 degree-granting universities, three regional higher education centers, an environmental research center, and a system office. USM combines the power of its member institutions provide students access to world-class resources and ensure that those resources are used efficiently, effectively, and sustainably. Educational Opportunities Providing high-quality and affordable academic programs and increasing student retention and completion rates are among the system’s top priorities. USM’s Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is researching, developing, and implementing strategies and practices to help increase students’ academic success. Research USM faculty and staff continue to fuel research and discovery, attracting nearly $1.3 billion in external grants and contracts annually. USM research is advancing understanding and practice in many areas, including bioinformatics, cybersecurity, environmental science, food science, photonics, the social sciences, and vaccine development. Economic and Workforce Development USM institutions address critical workforce shortage areas. USM institutions awarded 6, 743 STEM bachelor’s degrees—nearly 80 percent of Maryland's STEM degrees—in 2017. USM institutions have also facilitated the launch of 589 companies since 2011. Effective Use of Resources Since the launch of its Effectiveness and Efficiency (E&E) Initiative in 2004, USM has saved $597.1 million. In 2015, USM launched E&E 2.0 to increase USM’s positive impact on the state of Maryland, enhance student success, continue innovation in teaching and learning, reengineer administrative processes, and reduce costs. Service Each year USM students, staff, and faculty contribute more than a million hours of service to the community through cultural programs, legal and medical clinics, partnerships with public schools and the business community, and other initiatives.