NSF Supports Efforts to Broaden Participation in the Nation’s Technology Workforce

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has pledged a commitment of nearly $5.8 million towards two pivotal projects, partnering with the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). Aimed at promoting inclusivity in the advanced degree programs across key technological areas identified in the CHIPS and Science Act, this investment will bolster data resources and aide endeavors in the recruitment and retention of domestic graduate students from diverse backgrounds in STEM fields.

Their collaborative goal with CGS is to broaden the scope of existing survey designs to collect data on graduate applications, admissions, enrollment, and completion rates. Encompassing around 60 institutions, this survey is expected to bring greater insights on prevalent trends, challenges, and opportunities. These insights will direct NSF’s future workforce development investments and enable universities to attract a diverse student demographic.

An additional grant of $1.1 million over three-years has been designated to facilitate the expansion of CGS’s National Name Exchange (NNE) program. Established to connect graduate schools with underrepresented students, to widen the participation circle with minority-serving institutions. This augmented NNE initiative will fortify universities’ recruitment processes, strengthen the STEM career pathway, and help bridge data gaps.

Suzanne Ortega, CGS President, commented, access to STEM graduate education is the backbone of a resilient workforce and economy. Expressing gratitude towards the NSF, she mentioned, these projects will not only enhance our understanding of students’ educational trajectories but will also aid in removing hindrances in the path to degree completion, especially in sectors of national significance.

View further details on CGS and the National Name Exchange program here.