Partners in Changing Math & Science Education: The Role of the National Science Foundation, the Role of Community Colleges

The National Science Foundation (NSF) was created by Congress in 1950 to initiate and support basic scientific research and programs at all levels. The growing societal interest in science literacy and human resource development in the 1980's, particularly with respect to underrepresented populations such as women, minorities, and disabled persons, influenced funding priorities and allocations at NSF. While community colleges continue to enroll 50% of all first-time freshmen and 50% of all minorities in higher education, and play an important role in the training of science researchers and educators, they have not yet received a proportionate share of NSF funding. This is due primarily to the low submission rates of funding proposals from two-year institutions. Also, while 85% of 1991 NSF grants to community colleges were in response to proposals made to the Division of Undergraduate Education in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), a number of other funding programs within the EHR are underutilized by two-year institutions, including the Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Program; the Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement Program; the Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Development Program; the Young Scholars Program; and the Private Sector Partnerships program. As part of its effort to increase the proposal submission rate of two-year colleges, NSF is increasing the number of community college faculty who serve as reviewers. For their part, community colleges can involve faculty in the solicitation of external funding and provide support for proposal writing activities. Data tables and specific examples of two-year college projects funded by NSF under each of the underutilized program areas are included. (PAA)