Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion
Program (STEP)
National Science Foundation
Program Solicitation NSF 07-570
Deadline for Letter of Intent (optional): 7 August 2007
Full Proposal Deadline: 18 September 2007
For further information, please go to:
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf07570
The National Science Foundation announces the following program
solicitation (07-570):
Program Title:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion
Program (STEP)
Synopsis of Program:
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion
Program (STEP) seeks to increase the number of students (U.S. citizens
or permanent residents) receiving associate or baccalaureate degrees in
established or emerging fields within science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM). Type 1 proposals are solicited that provide for
full implementation efforts at academic institutions. Type 2 proposals
are solicited that support educational research projects on associate or
baccalaureate degree attainment in STEM.
Undergraduate education is central to NSF's mission in human resource
development. Whether preparing students to participate as citizens in a
technological society, enter the workforce with two- or four-year
degrees, continue their formal education in graduate school, or further
their education in response to new career goals or workplace
expectations, undergraduate education provides the critical link between
the nation's secondary schools and a society increasingly dependent upon
science and technology. Increasing the number of undergraduate students
obtaining degrees in STEM fields will provide a workforce that is
prepared to ensure a healthy economy, respond to demands for national
security, and maintain and elevate the quality of life and standard of
living in the United States through technological and scientific
advancements. A Report from the National Science Board (NSB 03-69), "The
Science and Engineering Workforce Realizing America's Potential,"
recommends that in order to ensure the country's capacity in science and
engineering in an increasingly competitive and changing global labor
market, "The Federal Government and its agencies must step forward to
ensure the adequacy of the U.S. science and engineering workforce. All
stakeholders must mobilize and initiate efforts that increase the number
of U.S. citizens pursuing science and engineering studies and careers."
The report further recommends that it is essential "to improve success
in science and engineering study by American undergraduates from all
demographic groups."
For further information and a complete list of Program Officers, please
go to:
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf07570