THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STEM Strategic Plan FY2021 – FY2025The Department’s STEM strategic plan addresses critical STEM challenges through talent inspiration and cultivation, with an emphasis on diversity using evidence-based approaches and evaluation. The Department is committed to a continuous learning structure, aligned to the Federal STEM Education Strategic Plan’s aspirational goals: * Build Strong Foundations for STEM Literacy. * Increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM. * Prepare the STEM Workforce for the Future.NEXT STEPS AND IMPLEMENTATION ~ In order to achieve the goals and objectives outlined within this strategic plan and to make progress toward the Department’s vision of a diverse and sustainable STEM talent pool, ready to serve our Nation and maintain the Department’s competitive advantage, a DoD STEM implementation plan will be released. The purpose of this implementation plan will be to provide specific steps for achieving the DoD STEM mission, vision, goals, and objectives across the Department and within the Components. U.S. Department of DefenseDoD_5e8dcfdc-5d6a-11df-839d-400e7a64ea2aDr. JihFen LeiActing Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Research and TechnologyOffice of the Secretary of DefenseThe Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and the Components are invested in developing current and future STEM talent throughout DoD to meet its unique mission. This Department-wide STEM strategic plan, coupled with its follow-on implementation plan, provides an overarching framework for achieving the DoD STEM mission and vision. These are driven by Federal priorities while addressing and leveraging DoD’s unique mission, needs, and resources. Specifically, DoD will operate with transparency and accountability to: * Spearhead a DoD-wide implementation plan to track progress toward achieving the goals and objectives of the DoD STEM strategic plan. *Ensure STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach are aligned with DoD priorities. * Cultivate multiple pathways to DoD employment through STEM workforce development programs, activities, and outreach. * Apply and expand use of evidence-based practices across DoD’s STEM networks and communities. * Use common metrics to measure progress and encourage growth of STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach. * Ensure performance and outcomes of STEM education and workforce development programs and activities are made publicly available. *Report participation rates and understand the participation of underserved and underrepresented groups in DoD STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach.DoD ComponentsThe OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within DoD. Defense EnterpriseDoD laboratories, warfare centers, and engineering centers across the United States and around the world, including any facility where DoD professionals working in STEM fields serve. The defense enterprise includes federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), university affiliated research centers (UARCs), depots, and shipyards.A diverse and sustainable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent pool ready to serve our Nation and extend the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) competitive edge._2c1b751a-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea00Inspire, cultivate, and develop exceptional STEM talent through a continuum of opportunities to enrich our current and future DoD workforce poised to tackle evolving defense technological challenges._2c1b7740-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea00TransparencyAccountabilityAdaptabilityInclusionEngagementPartnershipEmpowermentPrograms & ActivitiesInspire community engagement in DoD STEM education programs and activities to provide meaningful STEM learning opportunities for students and educators._2c1b7862-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea001StudentsEducatorsSTEM education and/or workforce development programs and activities: * Formal or informal education that is primarily focused on physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, social sciences, or mathematics disciplines, topics, or issues (including environmental science education or stewardship).Education & CareersAmplify public awareness of DoD STEM education and career opportunities by leveraging partnerships across the Department, STEM education ecosystems, and Government agencies._2c1b79c0-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea001.1STEM Education EcosystemsSTEM education ecosystems consist of multi-sector partners united by a collective vision of supporting participation in STEM through the creation of accessible, inclusive STEM learning opportunities spanning all education stages and career pathways. A STEM education ecosystem continuously evaluates its activities and adapts as needed, plans for the long term, and communicates its work to build broad support and advance best practices.STEM education includes one or more of the following as the primary objective: * Develop learners’ knowledge, skills, or interest in STEM. * Attract students to pursue certifications, licenses, degrees (two-year degrees through post-doctoral degrees), or careers in STEM fields. * Provide growth and research opportunities for post-secondary, college, and graduate students in STEM fields, such as working with researchers or conducting research that is primarily intended to further education. * Improve mentor/educator (K-12 pre-service or in-service, postsecondary, and informal) quality in STEM fields. * Improve or expand the capacity of institutions to promote or foster STEM fields. * Support research on effective STEM teaching and learning practices.ResourcesEnhance DoD STEM education program and activity experiences by leveraging DoD’s unique resources._2c1b7a92-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea001.2EmpowermentEmpower DoD STEM professionals across DoD, especially those within the defense enterprise, to participate in STEM education and outreach activities._2c1b7b78-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea001.3DoD STEM ProfessionalsInclusion & AdaptabilityEmphasize an inclusive and adaptable continuum of available STEM education programs and activities across the Department._2c1b7ef2-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea001.4STEM WorkforceAttract the Nation’s and DoD’s current and future STEM workforce through multiple pathways to educational and career opportunities._2c1b7fc4-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea002STEM WorkforceEngagementSustain engagement of DoD professionals in STEM fields in workforce development programs, activities, and outreach. _2c1b808c-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea002.1Interns, Apprentices & FellowsEnhance internship, apprenticeship, and fellowship opportunities in DoD laboratories and facilities for high school, undergraduate, vocational, and graduate students._2c1b815e-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea002.2DoD LaboratoriesDoD FacilitiesHigh School StudentsUndergraduate StudentsVocational StudentsGraduate StudentsOpportunitiesIncrease awareness of workforce development opportunities by fostering pathways to participation through a continuum of enriching DoD STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach._2c1b8230-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea002.3Meaningful STEM learning opportunities ~ Meaningful learning opportunities are those that are personally relevant from the learner’s perspective within appropriate social contexts and are equated to real communities of practice, giving the student “real world” experiences.MentoringEncourage DoD STEM professionals to participate in mentoring activities and other opportunities to engage with the future DoD STEM workforce._2c1b8302-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea002.4DoD STEM ProfessionalsUnderserved & Underrepresented GroupsIncrease participation of underserved and underrepresented groups in STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach._2c1b83de-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea003Underserved GroupsUnderrepresented GroupsTraditionally or historically underserved and underrepresented populations in STEM include the following:Military-Connected PeopleMilitary-connected, which may include: * Military children: dependents of members of the Active Duty Armed Forces. * Military-connected: military children plus the dependents of members of the National Guard and Reserves.Low-Income PeopleLow-income (those whose family’s taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level; those who qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FARM) programs).Racial MinoritiesRacial and ethnic minorities that are historically underrepresented in STEM (i.e., Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Black or African Americans, Latinx/Hispanic Americans, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders).Ethnic MinoritiesIndividuals with DisabilitiesIndividuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).ESL IndividualsIndividuals with English as a second language (ESL) or English language learners (ELLs).English Language LearnersCollege StudentsFirst-generation college students.StudentsStudents in rural, frontier, or other federally targeted schools, such as title 1 schools.FemalesFemales in STEM fields where they remain underrepresented (physical science, computer science, mathematics, and engineering).MetricsMeasure the effectiveness of current DoD STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach to underserved and underrepresented groups._2c1b84ba-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea003.1OutreachExpand the outreach of DoD STEM education and workforce development programs and activities to underserved and underrepresented communities through consideration of the barriers faced by these populations._e29c3fd0-b5bd-11ec-97fa-41b73083ea003.2Outreach ~ Efforts designed to build awareness, develop relationships, and promote education products and services that support formal or classroom-based learning, as well as informal education that occurs outside the classroom, including the provision of services to people who might not otherwise have access to those services.Practices & PartnershipsSustain and increase underserved and underrepresented communities’ engagement in STEM activities by identifying specific best practices and strategic partnerships._e29c41c4-b5bd-11ec-97fa-41b73083ea003.3Evaluation & AssessmentAdvance the efficiency and effectiveness of STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach through evaluation and assessment._2c1b858c-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea004Evaluation and assessment ~ A systematic study using research methods to collect and analyze data to assess program operations and outcomes. Program evaluation results may be used to assess a program’s effectiveness, identify how to improve performance, or guide resource allocation.Metrics, Practices & CommunicationImplement a systematic evaluation and assessment approach to develop, refine, and collect common metrics; identify and share best practices; capture and monitor relevant metrics; and improve the communication of DoD STEM evaluative efforts._2c1b8686-b558-11ec-aae5-e1971183ea004.1Emerging ConceptsEngage with STEM education ecosystems, Government agencies, and other stakeholders to identify evidence-based emerging concepts for STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach, evaluation and assessment, and communication._e29c432c-b5bd-11ec-97fa-41b73083ea004.2ReportsGenerate and make publicly available results-oriented reports to guide decisions and evolve approaches based on evaluation and assessment of STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach._e29c44f8-b5bd-11ec-97fa-41b73083ea004.3AmplificationAmplify DoD STEM education and workforce development programs, activities, and outreach by using current data and metrics along with success stories to communicate and demonstrate the value of DoD STEM programs._e29c4624-b5bd-11ec-97fa-41b73083ea004.42022-04-06https://dodstem-assets.dodstem.us/files/DoD_STEM_Strategic_Plan_2021.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net