Advancing STEM Education

Seven institutions received funding in fiscal year 2009 through Innovation through Institutional Integration, or I³--an effort intended to link institutions' existing National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded projects in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and to leverage their collective strengths. Awards were for up to $1.25 million over four years.

As a cross-divisional activity in NSF's Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), I³ promotes increased collaboration within and between institutions. It also addresses important directorate initiatives: broader participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM, critical educational junctures, the integration of research and education, a globally engaged workforce and research and evaluation.

"Through I³, institutions have opportunities to strategically integrate the STEM educational enterprise in ways that can dramatically change the student experience," said Wanda Ward, NSF's acting assistant director for the Education and Human Resources directorate. "The innovations being implemented by I³ awardees are impressive and illustrate the creativity of the nation's colleges and universities at all levels. We expect this effort will change the way many institutions think about STEM education and its impact on the nation's diverse student population." See full Press Release on NSF's website.