The next generation of scientists and engineers, which
our Navy and economy are depending on, is in jeopardy. In a recent review of
the National Academies study, Rising Above the Gathering Storm
(2005), members of the “Two years later” convocation recently met in
Washington DC to discuss the current progress of America’s educational
system. Unfortunately, many of the goals they set out to achieve in
Gathering Storm, while seeing positive results in other countries, have
yet to be fulfilled within the U.S. In comparison to other countries,
particularly in the areas of math and science, American students continue to
perform below average. Moreover, fewer American students are choosing to
pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering and science which in turn will
pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering and science which in turn will
affect America’s competitiveness in technological and scientific
innovations. Additionally, more than 40% of Master’s degrees and 60% of
Doctoral degrees in engineering are currently awarded to foreign nationals
who cannot obtain the necessary security clearances to work for the
Department of Defense. “Investments in research and education are where the
future battle for international economic leadership will be fought, and
where the United States is drifting. While the storm continues to gather, we
are still at sea,”[1] said Arden Bement, Director of the National Science
Foundation.
In Rhode Island alone, the amount of students struggling to achieve
satisfactory markings within the subject areas of math and science are
substantially larger than those in reading and writing. According to the 2009
statewide NECAP testing:
45% of eleventh graders scored below proficient in science
45% scored significantly below proficient in math, while
73% scored at or above proficient in reading.
Even more alarming is the percentage of students failing to
score above proficient in science.
30.9 % of fourth graders in Newport failed to perform above proficient while
only
9.8 % of eleventh graders from Roger William performed above average.
In Urban areas, such as Providence, more than half the students
failed the science portion of the NECAP test by 51.2% while only 19% of students
in 6th grade statewide passed the math portion of the test.
Additionally, only 200 of the roughly 10,000 high school students
graduating this year will receive engineering degrees. “The longer our kids stay
in school, the less they like science and math.” [2] We need to help influence
the career path students choose to increase the number of students who will
choose to pursue an engineering degree. Within the south coastal New England
area (Bristol County Massachusetts and the entire state of Rhode Island), there
are 53 public school districts, which is more than Division Newport can assist
with the limited resources available for educational outreach. In order to
provide the most assistance where it is needed, districts will be chosen on the
basis of their proximity to the Division and their diverse environments.
As the Chief of Naval Operations looks toward the development of
21st century leaders, he has made diversity part of this strategic objective.
Strengthening the Navy by strengthening the diversity of its workforce is a
priority. His goal is to create an environment that enables all employees to
reach their personal and professional potential and to reflect the changing
demographic around us.
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport
has played a role in a variety of educational initiatives over the past few
years, all with one goal – to expose children to the wonders science and
engineering. Many of these initiatives are done institutionally as Division
Newport while others are performed by individual employees and groups. These
efforts are fragmented across many sections of the Division, and although they
may be well-intended, may not meet the operational guidelines for this type of
effort or may be duplicative in nature. This plan is a starting point to grow
our mathematics and science outreach efforts. The goal of this plan is
three-fold: 1) to increase awareness of real-world science and engineering for
students, 2) to increase awareness of Division Newport for both students and the
public, and 3) to develop a pipeline of future scientists and engineers for our
workforce. Whenever possible, we will also strive to leverage existing programs
and frameworks.
To fulfill our legal obligations, Educational
Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are required between the school district and
Division Newport. These agreements outline what the schools and Division Newport
will provide. Additionally, our efforts need to be in line with the guidance we
receive from DoN, EEO, NAVSEA, and NUWC. Under leadership of the Technical
Director and coordination of the Human Resources Department, a central point of
contact has been established to ensure that our messages are consistent and our
content meets state guidelines, as well as ensure a common thread between the
programs and material. We also strive to help match employee volunteers to the
opportunities that will allow them to make the most dynamic and engaging
contribution and make sure they are well prepared for the classroom environment,
guaranteeing success for the program and reflecting well on Division Newport.
[1]/2
National Research Council. 2009. Rising above the Gathering Storm Two Years
Later: Accelerating Progress Toward a Brighter Economic Future. Washington, D.C.:
The National Academies Press.”