With sponsorship from the National Science Foundation, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is convening a public symposium to explore ambitions for the future of undergraduate STEM education and identify steps for achieving them. Ideas generated at the symposium will be published and shared broadly after the event, with the intention of driving change in postsecondary STEM education and influencing funding priorities for the National Science Foundation and other organizations. (Click here for the full description of the symposium and the link to register.)

Prior to the symposium, the National Academies held an idea competition to engage stakeholders with diverse perspectives. Winning submissions will be highlighted at the symposium on November 12, 13, and 19, 2020 and are featured here on the National Academies website.

Entrants submitted a statement or video addressing some aspect of the symposium's focus: What should undergraduate STEM education look like in 2040 and beyond to meet the needs of students, science, and society? What should we do now to prepare?

Entries were evaluated based on their potential to contribute to and advance discussion at the symposium. Entries were also judged on originality and future orientation.