Questions for the Workshop

After discussion with the workforce NSF working group, the Co-PIs concluded that preparation of the STEM workforce of the 21st century is multi-faceted. It is recognized that many of the problems in this process are not new. Considerable time, money, and effort have been spent attempting to address these problems. However, many of these attempts have largely been dealt with in a piecemeal way. Nevertheless, identifying replicable successes remains a challenge. Evidence suggests some progress has been made (Colwell, 2003; Mervis, 2003).

While the workshop will identify and be informed by our current understanding of effective practices, the workshop will also focus on the future. The following are among the types of questions that will form the basis for the workshop discussions.

· How do we judge success? How will we judge success of integrated activities?

o What do we mean by effectiveness, by success?

o What is replicable, adaptable, sustainable and scalable?

· What does it mean to integrate?

o Where has it been tried? How did it work? How well did it work? For whom did it work?

o What are suggestions for other mechanisms of integration?

o How can relevant communities (including funding agencies) facilitate integration?

· What are the implications of integrated institutional collaborations for those involved in them?

o What is the role of existing workforce activities in the context of

integrated activities?

o Are there potential paradigm shifts in academia? For the funding agencies? For future employers?

· What can research tell us now?

o About how gender, race, environment, culture, economics, and social institutions affect STEM career choices and pathways?

o About the kinds of background and skills that are optimal for scientists and engineers?

o About relative attractiveness of STEM-related careers and study to young people? What are the stereotypes and other issues that impede young people from pursuing STEM career goals?

· How can research inform future actions?

o How can we design research and evaluation processes at the beginning of new workforce-oriented activities?

o Can we draw from research in other fields to develop assessment and implementation models that will result in improved workforce development?

o What research might inform the development of integrated activities? What research might inform our capability to explore consequences (intended and unintended) of the emphasis on integration?

o Can we draw from the meta-research of other fields to design meta studies of past workforce research to help us summarize what we know so far to enable us to move the research agenda forward?

o How can research inform the design of funding programs so that they will address the workforce needs of the nation?



There are many reports that can inform the workshop discussion. Prior to the workshop, participants are strongly encouraged to review relevant National Science Foundation/National Science Board websites and publications focusing on some the following topics:

· Challenges for the 21st century STEM workforce;

· Demographic projections for future student populations; and

· Research on what experiences or strategies are most effective in attracting, retaining, and enhancing quality students in STEM careers.