NSF to Undertake Fostering Expanding Participation in STEM. (July 9, 2010)

The US' National Science Foundation is working to develop a "broadening of participation" in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by American undergraduates.

The stated intention by the NSF is to improve its "impact" with regard to its initiatives to effect that goal.

A concept paper recently promulgated by the agency contains among other proposals the consolidation of existing programs and the development of initiatives to support STEM education research capacity.

Toward a similar end last month Australia's Department of of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research released its consultation paper  Meeting Australia's research workforce needs. According to the NSF it: "seeks to implement a new program to catalyze next-generation capacity to produce a diverse STEM workforce with 21^st century knowledge and skills - one that is able to contribute to the Administration’s vision for new opportunities in the energy, environment, and technology sectors, and, more generally, to the scientific enterprise. This new program, which has the working title “Comprehensive Broadening Participation of Undergraduates in STEM”... [Its] goal is to enrich the quality and innovation potential of tomorrow’s STEM workforce through comprehensive broadening participation of undergraduates in STEM. The program will be introduced in FY 2011, but the transition period will take 3-5 years."

The NSF list four principal area of importance:

• Preparing a diverse, globally engaged science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce;

• integrating research with education, and building capacity;

• expanding efforts to broaden participation from underrepresented groups and diverse institutions across all geographical regions in all NSF activities; and

• improving processes to recruit and select highly qualified reviewers and panellists.

The Directorate for Education and Human Resources of the NSF has issued a  5-page concept paper in which it states that its highest priorities are:

• The development of a diverse and well-prepared workforce of scientists, technicians, engineers, mathematicians, and educators;
• creation of a well-informed citizenry;
• the design, development, and evaluation of new tools, approaches, and models for learning;
• and the building of knowledge for improving STEM learning.

The proposed initiative is aimed at university undergraduates, and particular emphasis is laid at attracting "black, Latino or Native American students"; the matter of primary and secondary school education is not covered.

According to the "Concept Paper: "Planning and consultation for the proposed Comprehensive Broadening Participation of Undergraduates in STEM (CBP-US) program will be undertaken over the next several months.[A] series of opportunities [will be made available] over the coming months to assemble and discuss best practices and research, to provide technical assistance, and to confer with the multiple interested communities as the new program is shaped and defined."

Finally, for background the 2008 report, Broadening Participation at the National Science Foundation: A Framework for Action is available online.

Or click here to access the NSF's lead-in webpage.