TITLE: Innovative Educational Environments to Develop the Necessary Intellectual Basis for a National DHS S&T Workforce

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: All Areas of DHS Relevant Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks innovative educational environments to develop the necessary intellectual basis for a national S&T workforce. In particular, this solicitation looks for methods to take new discoveries in science and mathematics from the DHS sponsored Centers of Excellence http://www.dhs.gov/xres/programs/editorial_0498.shtm and bring those discoveries to the US population. For the purpose of this solicitation workforce development includes the full spectrum of the education system, from elementary school to post doctoral programs. STEM Workforce Development Strategy DESCRIPTION: The National Academies Report: Rising Above the Gathering Storm - Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future (executive summary available at http:/wwww.nap.edu/catalog.php?record id=11463) provides background on the need to increase the talent pool by vastly improving K-12 science and mathematics education. For the DHS workforce, an increase in the US talent pool is critical. In addition, the ongoing research at the DHS sponsored Centers of Excellence are in topic areas critical to Homeland Security and, as such, require special attention. Innovative educational environments, both formal and informal, need to be developed to bring these new science and math applications to the workforce.

PHASE I: Develop the system design of the innovative educational environment. Develop prototype modules for field test.

PHASE II: Field test the prototype modules in multiple markets, including with underserved populations. Develop a commercialization plan.

PHASE III COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Provide a mechanism for national distribution of the modules.

REFERENCES: DHS Centers of Excellence www.dhs.gov/xres/programs/editorial_0498.shtm