Members of NSF’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES National Network are cordially invited to the 2023 Convening: Sustaining Equity-Driven Systems Change. Join in-person (for the first time since 2019!) at the Westin City Center, Washington, D.C., and support the movement to broaden participation in STEM education and careers.

The event is Thursday, August 3rd and Friday, August 4th. The events INCLUDES-funded Alliances are invited to a pre-Convening meeting on Wednesday, August 2nd.

Through peer learning sessions, engaging plenaries and panel discussions, and interactive workshops, members of the INCLUDES National Network will have opportunities to share with and learn from their peers, from NSF and other federal agency representatives, from the INCLUDES Coordination Hub, and from the students and participants most directly affected by our work. Attendees will build and deepen relationships; identify, elevate, and strengthen commonalities and connections across broadening participation efforts; and learn about future actions we can take together to sustain our work.

Registration is $100 per participant, with fees waived for students. Space is limited and offered on a first-come,...

The ATE Central Outreach Kit was originally developed as a tool to assist ATE Principal Investigators (PIs) and staff in effectively planning, monitoring, and executing outreach activities. In general, most ATE projects and centers share common objectives when it comes to outreach and dissemination, such as:

1. Promoting the project or center's initiatives to various audiences, including peer groups, educators, students, and the general public.
2. Cultivating and generating interest in science and technology among administrators, faculty, and students within the project or center's institution, as well as key stakeholders in the industry and other relevant sectors.
3. Encouraging discussions and fostering interest in significant educational and technological issues addressed or introduced by the project or center.
4. Establishing connections and facilitating communication with industry partners and other parties to strategize on creating a skilled technical workforce.

By aligning these overarching goals with the specific objectives of your own project or center, you can develop targeted outreach and dissemination objectives that will form the basis of your outreach plan.

The...

In an op-ed, with Representative Matthew Cartwright, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan called for more funding to strengthen America’s middle class. Panchanathan argues that we must prioritize local innovation & economic development for well-paid, high-tech jobs in emerging & future industries.for innovative and economic development. 

From the op-ed—"More funding is required. While investments for semiconductors have been appropriated under the act, investments in programs like NSF Engines have only been authorized. In other words, Congress must take additional action." 

Panchanathan, NSF's 15th director, has long championed innovative solutions for problems. Panchanathan's scientific contributions have advanced the areas of human-centered multimedia computing, haptic user interfaces and ubiquitous computing technologies for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with different abilities, and machine learning for multimedia applications.

While the op-ed focuses on the area of Pennsylvania, the key takeaways apply across the nation. Read the full op-ed on The Times Tribune website.

The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) is gearing up for its highly anticipated UDL Symposium on July 31st through August 1st. The event, known for its innovative approach to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), aims to bring together educators, researchers, and experts from around the globe.

UDL, a groundbreaking framework developed by CAST, focuses on creating flexible learning environments that cater to diverse student needs. The upcoming symposium promises to be a platform for knowledge-sharing, best practices, and thought-provoking discussions centered on UDL implementation.

This year's symposium boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including leading educators, renowned researchers, and thought leaders in the field of inclusive education. Attendees can look forward to engaging keynotes, interactive workshops, and insightful panel discussions that delve into topics such as personalized learning, accessibility, and leveraging technology for UDL.

Virtual and in-person options are still available on the CAST website. 

Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, has organized its 29th annual Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) Institute to encourage young women in grades 10 to 12 to pursue careers in STEM. The week-long program consisted of workshops and labs aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of STEM fields.

Over 30 students participated in this year's institute, which had the theme "STEM Solutions to Natural Disasters." The goal was to empower young women by showing them how they can contribute to finding or creating solutions to address the needs of their communities in the face of natural disasters. The program included visits to various STEM-related industries, such as aviation, welding, building, and robotics, to expose the students to potential career paths.

The event was covered in several local papers. Participants like Maanasa Miriyala and Elena George expressed enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its empowering nature and ability to fuel their passion for STEM. Miriyala aspires to become an environmental engineer and contribute to combating climate change, while George is considering a future in architecture or biotechnology. By...

Registration for the NOVA Summer Camps is now open—the STEM Camp program introduces Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to thousands of grade-school students.

The camps are focused on hands-on, project-based learning that provides students with excellent opportunities to begin exploring STEM fields and to chart a course for future STEM education and workforce opportunities .Led by a team of dedicated instructors and professionals, the camps provide an exceptional educational experience. Through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and immersive projects, campers gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of their chosen subjects. They are encouraged to think critically, collaborate with their peers, and embrace creativity, fostering personal growth and preparing them for future endeavors. The STEM camp tracks include Coding, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Fabrication, Rocketry and more!

Camps will run June through August, but registration is open throughout the summer.

• Camps last one week and are only $315.
• Camps are offered at many of our NOVA Campuses, and at some schools in Northern Virginia.
• Camps run from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Find...

Gen Z students are reshaping higher education as they enroll at community colleges in record numbers. According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment rates are rising. This significant surge in enrollment marks a departure from the traditional four-year university route, with Gen Z opting for more affordable and practical alternatives.

One key driving force behind this trend is the rising cost of higher education. Gen Z students are mindful of the burden of student loans and are turning to community colleges for cost-effective options. These institutions offer career-oriented programs and hands-on training, appealing to the pragmatic and career-focused mindset of this generation.

Furthermore, community colleges provide flexibility and adaptability in their course offerings, accommodating the diverse needs of Gen Z learners. They offer part-time, online, and hybrid learning options, allowing students to balance education with work or family responsibilities. This transformative trend not only alters educational choices but also has implications for the future workforce, fostering a more diverse, skilled, and adaptable pool of...

The deadline for The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is approaching and NSF and AAAS are offering proposal preparation webinars. Interested candidates are encouraged to watch the webinars on the NOYCE website. Webinars include: 

• May 25, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT / Noyce Track 1: Scholarships & Stipends and Capacity Building
• June 1, 2:00-3:00 pm EDT / IUSE with focus on preservice teacher education
• June 6, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT / Noyce Track 2: Teaching Fellowships, Track 3: Master Teaching Fellowships, and Capacity Building
• June 7, 3:30-4:30 EDT / Noyce Research Experiences in STEM Settings
• June 8, 1:00-2:00 pm / Noyce Track 4: Research and Capacity Building

Established with the goal of addressing the critical shortage of highly qualified STEM teachers in schools across the country, the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in STEM disciplines, as well as professionals transitioning to teaching careers. By providing scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities, the program aims to attract and retain talented individuals who can inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. ...

The upcoming NICE Conference 2023, is set to take place in Seattle, Washington on June 5-7, 2023. The conference, organized by the National Innovation and Creativity Enterprise (NICE), is expected to attract an array of innovators, industry leaders, and thinkers from across the globe. From technology and healthcare to sustainability and entrepreneurship, the NICE Conference 2023 will delve into a wide range of topics, offering valuable insights and inspiring new perspectives.

One of the highly anticipated speakers at the conference is Dr. Elizabeth Kolmstetter, the Chief People Officer at Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). NICE will also feature engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops, providing a platform for attendees to actively participate and exchange ideas. These sessions encourage dialogue, foster collaborations, and nurture the spirit of innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow innovators, share their own insights, and forge connections.

Learn more about the conference's agenda and speakers on their website. Note that registration is now closed. 

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...