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NSF Fact Sheet

 

Media contact:

 Charles S. Drum

 (703) 292-8070

 cdrum@nsf.gov

Twenty-First Century Workforce

A National Priority. A recent National Research Council report, How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School, assigned a high priority for the nation to advance research on learning and link it to the development of learning and information technologies. Research will:

  • increase basic understanding of the mechanisms of learning linked to research in biological, environmental, social, and behavioral factors contributing to children's growth and development;

  • find ways to make formal science, mathematical, engineering, and technological education more effective and efficient.

The Fiscal 2001 Budget Request. NSF's investment in the 21st Century Workforce Initiative builds on NSF's year 2000 theme, Educating for the Future. For 2001, the 21st Century Workforce Initiative amounts to more than $157 million, an increase of $83.4 million over year 2000.

NSF's Role. The 21st century workforce will need unprecedented levels of expertise in math, science, engineering and technology. NSF's long-term goal is to generate a workforce second to none, and to bring better understanding of science, mathematics and technology to Americans of all ages, through:

  • Development of the Instructional Workforce. Translating increased understanding of learning into the practice of teaching is done by better educating the educators. NSF will do this through:

    • Centers for Learning and Teaching, which will enhance teacher understanding of the latest research on learning and the ability to use that information, as well as content background productively. The centers will encourage broader participation of underrepresented groups and nurture a new generation of leaders. A $14-million increase will expand efforts initiated in fiscal 2000, and total $20 million in fiscal 2001;
    • Graduate Teaching Fellowships in K-12 Education (GK-12), which puts graduate students into K-12 classrooms as resources for teachers. Funding would be about $28 million in fiscal 2001; and
    • Distinguished Teaching Scholars, which reward undergraduate faculty for integrating research and teaching. Funding is $1.8 million.

  • Diversifying the Workforce. The whole spectrum of America's diversity must be engaged in the workforce to keep America economically strong and competitive. NSF's emphasis on improving math and science education for all students is setting the stage for a concerted effort to broaden and diversify the workplace, including:

    • A $10 million initiative for tribal colleges will encourage Native Americans to pursue fields of study in information technology and other science and technology areas. It will also allow tribal colleges to offer relevant courses and to enhance K-12 education in feeder school systems; and
    • NSF will focus on obtaining broader participation of underrepresented groups in scientific and technological fields by uncovering core reasons for lower participation, creating networks, partnering with existing programs, and enhancing partnerships between rural college campuses and research institutes.

  • Near-term Workforce Requirements. The Advanced Technological Education program will develop opportunities for the training and education of technology workers with emphasis on information technology, manufacturing, and teacher development in related areas.

  • Networking and Access. In areas where access to technological resources is limited, NSF will offer opportunities for networking and access to scientific and technological resources. Key to this activity is development of the National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Digital Library. The proposed increase for fiscal 2001 is $12 million, to a total of $27 million.

February 2000

See also: Press Release

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