ARLINGTON, Va.—Issuing a $1 million challenge to the education, scientific and business communities May 3, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced plans to energize the development of new science and math programs as part of a Navy-wide educational initiative.
ONR has launched the Sponsoring Scholars in Science Awards program to generate projects that cultivate student interest and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). ONR’s goal is to fuel the pipeline of future scientists and engineers into the naval workforce.
“The $1 million challenge not only demonstrates ONR’s commitment to spurring interest in the STEM fields, but also shows how important it is for the future of the Navy and the nation to grow this vital workforce,” said Dr. Michael Kassner, ONR’s director of research, whose responsibilities include overseeing the Naval STEM Coordination Office.
Up to 10 compelling proposals will earn awards of $100,000 each as part of the 2011 Naval STEM Forum. All submissions must be presented onsite at the event, to be held June 15-16, at the Hilton Mark Center Alexandria in Alexandria, Va. Winners will be notified this fall.
Proposals call for incorporating a range of topics that support the Department of the Navy’s goals for STEM, academic curricula and community outreach programs, including:
- Incorporating energy efficiency into curriculums through hands-on experimentation
- Making physics fun through with immersive discovery learning
- Designing a STEM advocacy education kit
- Using high-tech modeling and simulation to teach high school students and Navy recruits
- Using sound to explore and communicate in the undersea environment
- Designing affordable sensors for SeaPerch Remotely Operated Vehicle
- Harvesting energy underwater, aligning with physical sciences study and green initiatives
The Sponsoring Scholars in Science Awards joins the growing portfolio of government programs designed to spur interest in specialized technical fields. With the supply of American graduates in STEM education not keeping up with the Department of Defense demand – and a growing number of international graduates returning home with technical expertise obtained here – the Navy is striving to engage U.S. pupils as early as primary school to increase the talent pool of future naval scientists and engineers.
The award and the larger STEM forum underscore the Navy’s commitment to growing the science and technology workforce. Both Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Roughead are scheduled to speak at the June event, stressing the importance of the STEM effort. In addition, ONR will open opportunities for attendees to meet one-on-one with subject matter experts on K-12, higher ed and educational research opportunities.
For more information:
- Learn more about the Sponsoring Scholars in Science Awards
- Register for the 2011 Naval STEM Forum | See a list of scheduled speakers
- Submit proposals: Pitch an ONR technology principal | Exhibit at the Naval STEM Forum