Meetings

Trends and Opportunities in Federal Earth Science Education and Workforce Training - 07/16/12

Trends and Opportunities in Federal Earth Science Education and Workforce Training - 11/01/12

Statement of Task

A study by the National Research Council organized around a workshop will:

1. Examine and assess ongoing and previous programmatic efforts over the past 30 years and other activities in Earth science-related education and workforce training at Federal research and development agencies. As part of this examination, the legislative authority granted to the various federal agencies for STEM education and training will be described.

2. Discuss criteria for "successful" Earth science-related education and workforce training efforts and identify successful Federal programs and activities based on these criteria.

3. Identify the effective approaches used in these successful programs or activities. Approaches could include, for example, areas within organization and management, personnel, resources applied, pedagogic techniques, theme areas, internships, recruitment into careers, and partnerships with academia and industry.

4. Identify the critical skill sets and the gaps in Earth science education and workforce training that could have most significant impact to enhance the recruitment and retention of diverse and skilled scientists in this field.

5. Identify opportunities for Federal research and development agencies to leverage ongoing education and workforce training efforts to increase the recruitment of a diverse Earth science student population and workforce and identify gaps which may hinder agencies' abilities to leverage these efforts.

6. Identify ways that the Federal Government can strengthen its Earth science education and training activities.