Generated by DeepSeek V3.2| NSF INCLUDES | |
|---|---|
| Name | NSF INCLUDES |
| Founded | 0 2016 |
| Founder | National Science Foundation |
| Focus | STEM equity and inclusion |
NSF INCLUDES. It is a comprehensive national initiative launched by theNational Science Foundation to accelerate the development of a diverse and capable STEM workforce. The program aims to achieve transformative change at scale by fostering collaborative networks that address systemic barriers to participation. Its design emphasizes collective impact through strategic partnerships across sectors including academia, industry, and non-profits.
The initiative represents a cornerstone of the National Science Foundation's commitment to broadening participation in science and engineering fields. It operates on the principle that large-scale progress requires coordinated, nationwide efforts rather than isolated projects. The framework is inspired by collective impact models, seeking to align the work of numerous stakeholders toward common objectives. Key operational units include Alliances, Design and Development Launch Pilots, and Conferences, all managed through the NSF Directorate for STEM Education.
The program was formally established in 2016 following a development period that included input from the STEM education research community. Its creation was influenced by prior NSF investments in diversity programs like the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation and the Advanced Technological Education program. The launch was announced by then-NSF Director France Córdova, aligning with broader federal science priorities. Initial funding supported a cohort of Design and Development Launch Pilots to test collaborative approaches before scaling.
Core components are structured as multi-institutional Alliances, each focused on a specific population or challenge, such as the Inclusive Graduate Education Network or the STEM Opportunities in Prison Settings initiative. The NSF also funds Conferences and workshops to facilitate planning and knowledge sharing, like those held in collaboration with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Additional elements include support for backbone organizations and the use of shared measurement systems to track progress across networks.
Primary goals are to significantly increase the participation of individuals from groups historically underrepresented in STEM, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities. The initiative seeks impact at the national level, aiming to enhance U.S. competitiveness in science and technology by developing a more inclusive talent pipeline. Success metrics often involve longitudinal studies on educational pathways, career outcomes, and the institutionalization of effective practices within partner organizations like universities and national laboratories.
The initiative relies on extensive cross-sector partnerships, engaging entities such as Google, The Boeing Company, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. Collaborations often involve state governments, community colleges, professional societies like the American Chemical Society, and philanthropic foundations such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. These partnerships provide essential resources, expertise, and pathways to scale promising interventions from local pilots to national implementation.
The program exists within a ecosystem of related federal efforts, including the Department of Education's Hispanic-Serving Institutions programs and the Department of Energy's Office of Science workforce initiatives. It complements other NSF investments like the Computer Science for All initiative and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. The initiative's focus aligns with recommendations from reports by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and policy directives from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Category:National Science Foundation Category:STEM education Category:Educational programs in the United States