National Science Foundation and the American Competitiveness Initiative

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is playing a pivotal role in supporting the President's new American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI). In testimony before the House Committee on Appropriations, March 2, 2006, the Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Arden L. Bement Jr. stressed the importance of undergraduate research within the context of the ACI. Here are some of some of Dr. Bement's remarks. The complete text of Dr. Bement's testimony can be found here.

Highlights of Dr. Bement's Testimony:

The ACI encompasses all of NSF's investments in research and education. These investments -- in discovery, learning, and innovation -- have a longstanding and proven track record of boosting the nation's economic vitality and competitive strength.

As I previously noted, NSF has also been selected to play major roles in the President's American Competitiveness Initiative. These include:...Preparing the nation's scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematics workforce for the 21st Century while improving the quality of math and science education in America's schools.

As a priority within our overarching mandate to prepare the STEM workforce for the 21st century, NSF will continue to emphasize programs aimed at tapping the potential of those underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce -- especially minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Support for this priority will total over $640 million in '07.