Science and Engineering Education and Workforce Program Area
This program area advances evidence-based approaches to education, workforce development, and public engagement for people of all ages across all STEM-related fields. Our work leverages research and best practice related to teaching, learning, mentoring, communication, and institutional and systemic change.
In progress
News and Updates
Rural Areas Offer Unique Opportunities for STEM Education, But Targeted Resources, Connectivity, and Training Needed
News Release
Rural areas offer unique opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and math education. A new report offers a road map for increasing access to STEM learning experiences for students in rural communities and supporting STEM workforce development.
Actions Needed Throughout U.S. Education System to Scale Up Promising Innovations That Can Improve STEM Education
News Release
Federal agencies, states, and school districts should develop robust methods to expand the use of promising innovations that can improve STEM education from pre-K through high school.
National Academies Launch Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12
News Release
The National Academies have launched the Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12, a new activity that will convene stakeholders to develop evidence-based policies and practices for implementing and supporting state-level science education standards.
Statement of Task
The Science and Engineering Education and Workforce program area brings together experts in formal and informal education, education research, education policy, workforce development, science communication, and the disciplines of science, mathematics, and engineering to strengthen the nation’s STEM capacity. Our work examines how people learn science, mathematics, and engineering across the life span and how education systems can prepare society to address challenges and embrace advancements and opportunities.
Through studies, workshops, and collaborations, we advance evidence-based strategies to improve teaching and learning, foster inclusion and access in STEM, and align education and workforce policies with the needs of research, industry, and government. Our portfolio includes several landmark science education reports, including A Framework for K–12 Science Education, which has shaped science education standards in 49 of 50 states.
Contributors
Staff
Heidi Schweingruber
Lead
Ashley Bear
Kerry Brenner
Beth Cady
Samuel Crawford
Rian Lund Dahlberg
Kenne Dibner
Margaret Kelly
Lucy Oliveros
Lauren Ryan
Kait Spear
Amy Stephens
Tiffany E. Taylor
Jeena M. Thomas
Katie Wullert