The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on future topics for workforce development in emerging technology career pathways. The NSF Directorates for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) and STEM Education (EDU) are specifically seeking input from various stakeholders including non-profit organizations, philanthropies, industry, government agencies, educational institutions, and other communities of practice. The goal is to gather diverse perspectives on opportunities and challenges in creating flexible and seamless STEM pathways in emerging technological areas.

While this RFI does not invite research proposals or offer funding opportunities, the collected input will be used to inform and shape future NSF investments and programs. The NSF aims to address the need for a highly skilled domestic workforce capable of supporting innovation in critical and emerging technologies such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and more.

The RFI highlights the importance of increasing the representation of domestic students in STEM disciplines, particularly in fields leading to emerging technology...

A new article from the Associated Press dives into the benefits of attending community college and transferring to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college transfer students make up nearly half of all bachelor's degree earners.

The article highlights the cost savings of attending community college, as tuition is typically lower than at four-year universities. Additionally, students can complete their general education requirements in a smaller and more supportive environment, potentially leading to higher grades and a smoother transition to a four-year institution.

The article also notes that community college transfer students often perform as well as, or even better than, students who start at a four-year university. It encourages students to consider community college as a valuable option for their education and to take advantage of transfer agreements between community colleges and four-year universities.

However, as the article emphasizes, students should consider all options when pursuing higher education.

A new report outlines seven practices for building community and student belonging virtually. The report, published by the Chronicle of Higher Education by Ithaka S+R, offers strategies for educators to foster a sense of community and engagement among students in online learning environments.

The seven practices include: using technology to create opportunities for interaction and collaboration, establishing clear expectations for student participation, building in opportunities for student feedback, creating a sense of social presence, using empathy and understanding to connect with students, providing opportunities for students to connect with each other, and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

The report emphasizes the importance of building community and student belonging in online learning, as it can improve student engagement, retention, and academic success.

Building Inclusive Labs, from the UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development, focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and engineering labs in a series of upcoming workshops.

The workshops will cover topics such as creating inclusive lab cultures, addressing microaggressions and implicit bias, and building effective mentoring relationships. Led by experienced facilitators, the workshops aim to provide participants with actionable strategies for promoting inclusivity and advancing diversity in their labs.

The next workshop is called "Workplace Navigation Training: Utilizing an Interview to determine a 'Good Fit.'" The workshop will take place on Friday, April 21st, from 3-5pm PT and will be led by Naledi Saul, MPM, Director of the UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development.

Participants will learn strategies for using job interviews to determine if a potential internship or job opportunity is a good fit for their career and educational goals. The workshop will cover topics such as defining what a 'bad fit' or 'toxic work environment' is, clarifying personal goals before the interview, using questions to assess workplace alignment with...

A recent article in the American Sociological Association's Footnotes magazine delves into the real cost of education for students, families, and the nation. The article argues that while the price of college tuition has risen significantly in recent years, the true cost of education goes beyond just tuition fees.

Additional costs such as textbooks, housing, transportation, and food can significantly impact a student's ability to afford higher education. The article also highlights the long-term economic benefits of investing in education, stating that higher levels of education lead to increased earning potential and overall economic growth.

The article further examines the inequitable distribution of educational costs and benefits, with low-income and minority students facing more significant financial barriers to higher education. The authors argue that reducing the cost of education and increasing access to financial aid could help level the playing field and increase social mobility. They also emphasize the need for policymakers to invest in education as a means of promoting economic growth and reducing inequality.

Ultimately, the article calls for a comprehensive approach...

The Includes Network, a NSF nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, has launched a new podcast series. The series features conversations with thought leaders, activists, and experts who are working to create a more inclusive world.

The podcasts cover a wide range of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. Each episode provides listeners with insights and strategies for creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces.

In the first episode, host Dr. Elle Alison talks with Dr. Beverly Tatum, a renowned psychologist and author of the book "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?" They discuss the importance of racial identity development and how it relates to creating a more inclusive workplace.

In another episode, Dr. Alison speaks with disability rights activist Judy Heumann about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and how employers can create more accessible and inclusive environments.

Other guests include sociologist Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, who talks about the experiences of Black...

According to a recent study, stress is a key factor preventing students from enrolling in higher education. The study surveyed over 1,000 students who had considered attending college or university but ultimately chose not to enroll. Of those students, 75% cited stress as a major reason for their decision.

The study also found that financial concerns were a significant deterrent for many students, with 60% stating that the cost of tuition and fees was a major factor in their decision not to attend. Other factors included concerns about student debt, uncertainty about future career prospects, and the challenges of balancing work and school.

The authors of the study suggest that colleges and universities should take steps to address these concerns and make higher education more accessible to a wider range of students. This could include offering more flexible class schedules, providing financial assistance and counseling, and creating a more supportive and welcoming campus culture.

Overall, the study highlights the need for higher education institutions to better understand the needs and concerns of potential students, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible...

CareerOneStop, an online portal for career resources and training, has released a new report titled "SemiNano: Bridging the Gap between Industry and Education." The report highlights the success of the SemiNano project, which aims to address the skills gap between the semiconductor industry and education.

According to the report, SemiNano has developed a competency-based education model that aligns with industry standards and provides students with hands-on training in semiconductor manufacturing. The program has partnered with industry leaders to provide students with real-world experience and prepare them for careers in the field. 

The report features case studies from several community colleges and universities that have implemented the SemiNano model. These institutions have seen significant improvements in student outcomes, including higher job placement rates and increased student engagement.

The SemiNano project has received funding from the National Science Foundation and has already impacted hundreds of students across the country. With the demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor industry on the rise, the success of this program serves as a promising example of...

Connect with colleagues and update your knowledge and skills at HI-TEC this year!

HI-TEC is a national conference on advanced technological education where secondary and postsecondary educators, counselors, industry professionals, trade organizations, and technicians can update their knowledge and skills. Charged with preparing America’s skilled technical workforce, the event focuses on the preparation needed by the existing and future workforce for companies in the high-tech sectors that drive our nation’s economy.

The annual conference is perfect for: 

• Community College and University Educators
• High School Educators
• Workforce Development Advocates
• Trade Organizations
• Industry Professionals
• Technicians

This year's conference will be held at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, July 24–27. Pre-conference events will be held July 24–25. Read more and register on the HI-TEC website! 

Join CAST for a free webinar with experts on implementing UDL! 

Learn how to support all of your students, including those who are not performing up to their potential. As the founders of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), CAST is world renowned for its innovative professional development. Let us help your teachers build the pedagogical skills they need to support their under-performing students and help you to build school- and district-wide systems that will support your teachers!

This informative webinar about CAST’s Professional Learning model could start your school or district on its journey to improved teaching and learning.

The webinar is Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 4:00PM – 5:00PM ET. Register here!