NSF STEP Proposal

Natural Sciences Division

Fullerton College

February, 2006

Basics• Proposal Deadline: 2/9/06• Partners w CSUF and MSAC• $2M for 5 years (review after 3 yr)• FC gets $ 400K total • Award in Fall, 2006• Another Proposal Opportunity in

July, 2006• Title: “Talent Expansion in Science and

Technology: An Urban Partnership (TEST-UP)

“…Another post-Sputnik deal?”

“…the number of mathematicians and scientists is declining in comparison to other countries like China and India…

…It is close to a national crisis.”

Charles Reed, Chancellor CSU System, 2/2/06

NS Transfer StatsFor Fall, 97, 98, & 99

Goals: Obtain degree, transfer, or both;

Declared a STEM Major

Program DegreeTransfer

Total2-Year 4-Year

Astronomy 0 3 0 3

Biology 5 32 2 39

Chemistry, General 2 9 2 11

Engineering,General 2 46 6 58

Geology 1 0 1 1

Mathematics, General

1 9 1 10

Physics, General 1 4 0 5

Zoology, General 4 10 2 15

Total 16 113 14 142

Purpose

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) seeks to increase the number of students (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) receiving associate or baccalaureate degrees in established or emerging fields within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Rationale Increasing the number of undergraduate

students obtaining degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields will provide a workforce that is prepared to ensure a healthy economy, respond to demands for national security, and maintain and elevate the quality of life and standard of living in the United States through technological and scientific advancements.

Natural Sciences and TEST-UP4 Strategic Initiatives• The MAX Net – A robust, holistic, TAP-like student support

network w major Bridges to CSUF

• Innovative Science Curriculum – Features expansion of active learning and broad, interdisciplinary exposure to natural science areas, and special STEM sections in “gateway courses”

• New NS Computer lab – A wireless, rich media 25 tablet PC lab w real-time assessment and FC-CSUF tracking

• Early ID of STEM Students – Transfer Orientations and Science Highlight meetings for Gen Ed students