NASA Plans To Focus On STEM Education To Build A Diverse Future Workforce

NASA plans to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for a future diverse workforce.

NASA’s Mission Equity

This week, the agency published its Equity Action Plan 2023, which included new commitments to continue removing inequitable barriers and challenges facing underserved communities.

In line with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to racial equity (Executive Order 14091), NASA’s plan represents a contribution towards a more equitable society.

The 2023 Equity Plan includes increasing the utilization and integration of contractors and businesses from underserved communities to expand equity in NASA’s procurement process.

It will also enhance grants and cooperative agreements to advance opportunities, access, and representation for underserved communities.

Lastly, the agency plans to engage more students to build a diverse future STEM workforce.

Read: This NASA Engineer Is Making Space More Inclusive… Through Sneakers

“The Equity Action plan deepens our long-term commitment to recognize and overcome systemic barriers that limit opportunity in underserved and underrepresented communities, “ said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in a press release.

“This year, NASA has identified STEM education as an area to engage and inspire the diverse talent of our future leaders. We are inviting the next generation, the Artemis Generation, to take on the daring missions of the future in the cosmos and here on Earth.”

Achievements In 2022

The 2023 Equity Action Plan builds on the success of the 2022 plan and achievements that NASA has reached.

These include developing resources to bring awareness to grant programs and including Notice of Funding Opportunities in the agency’s Minority Serving Institutions’ Exchange newsletter.

The agency also increased the grant award amount to Historically Black Clleges and Universities (HBCUs) between 2021 and 2022 by 39.9%.

Additionally, it developed and updated its Language Access Plans at all 10 of its centers to establish a more equitable communication strategy to reach limited-English proficient populations.