Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies

Through this initiative, the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) and the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships(TIP), in partnership with Micron Technology, Inc. (Micron) through the Micron Foundation, seek tosupport experiential learning opportunitiesfor individualsfrom all professional and educationalbackgrounds, resulting in increased access to, and interest in, career pathways inemerging technologyfields (e.g.,advanced manufacturing, advanced wireless, artificial intelligence, biotechnology,quantum information science,semiconductors, and microelectronics). As NSF seeks to support the development of technologies in such fields, similar support will be needed to foster and grow a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce comprising and enabling all Americans to contribute to such innovation. Large-scale challenges likeadvances in microelectronics or artificial intelligence also requireaSTEMworkforcethatbringsvaried perspectives and expertise to further accelerate the translation of science and engineering discoveries into large-scale solutions. Moreover, as current and new emerging technologies continue to evolve, unforeseen issues around security, safety and privacy will impact thepreparationof the workforce.Emerging technologiesare also dynamicandrapidly changing, with career entry and advancement often requiring "learning-by-doing" experience, even for those with some STEM education.Therefore, NSF recognizes that a competitiveemerging technology workforcemust includeindividualsfrom traditional and nontraditional education pathways as well as those individuals who may have stopped out of traditional educational pathways. The ExLENT program willsupport experiential learningopportunitiesdesigned toprovide cohorts of learnerswiththe crucial skills needed to succeed inemerging technologyfieldsand prepare themto enterthe workforce ready to solve our Nation'smost pressing challenges.Furthermore, theExLENTprogram will directly support NSF'spriorityto enable all Americans the opportunity to become a part of the emerging technologies workforce¹, thereby assuring the Nation's competitiveness in STEM. Key goals of the program are to (1) expand access to career-enhancing experientiallearning opportunitiesfor all individuals, including adult learners interested in re-skilling and/or upskilling (e.g., those who face or who have faced significant barriers to accessing a formal STEM education);(2)promotecross-sectorpartnershipsbetweenorganizationsinemerging technologyfields and those with expertise in workforce development;and (3) develop a workforce aligned with regional economies based onemergingtechnologiesacross the Nation, in alignment with the mission of the TIP Directorate.