Chief of Naval Research Issues $1 Million STEM Challenge

From ONR Corporate Strategic Communications

ARLINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Research issued a $1 million challenge to the education, scientific and business communities May 3, in an effort to generate increased interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives.

The announcement was made as the Office of Naval Research launched the Sponsoring Scholars in Science Awards program to generate projects that cultivate student interest and participation in STEM.

ONR is supporting the Navy's goal to fuel the pipeline of future scientists and engineers into the naval workforce.

"The $1 million challenge not only demonstrates ONR's commitment to spurring interest in the STEM fields, but also shows how important it is for the future of the Navy and the nation to grow this vital workforce," said Dr. Michael Kassner, ONR's director of research, whose responsibilities include overseeing the Naval STEM Coordination Office.

Up to 10 compelling proposals will earn awards of $100,000 each as part of the 2011 Naval STEM Forum. All submissions must be presented onsite at the event, which will be held June 15-16, at the Hilton Mark Center Alexandria in Alexandria, Va. Winners will be notified this fall.

Proposals call for incorporating a range of topics that support the Department of the Navy's goals for STEM, academic curricula and community outreach programs, including:

- Incorporating energy efficiency into curriculums through hands-on experimentation

- Making physics fun through with immersive discovery learning

- Designing a STEM advocacy education kit

- Using high-tech modeling and simulation to teach high school students and Navy recruits

- Using sound to explore and communicate in the undersea environment

- Designing affordable sensors for SeaPerch Remotely-Operated Vehicle

- Harvesting energy underwater, aligning with physical sciences study and green initiatives

The Sponsoring Scholars in Science Awards joins the growing portfolio of government programs designed to spur interest in specialized technical fields. With the supply of American graduates in STEM education not keeping up with the Department of Defense demand - and a growing number of international graduates returning home with technical expertise obtained here - the Navy is striving to engage U.S. pupils as early as primary school to increase the talent pool of future naval scientists and engineers.

The award and the larger STEM forum underscore the Navy's commitment to growing the science and technology workforce. Both Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Roughead are scheduled to speak at the June event, stressing the importance of the STEM effort. In addition, ONR will open opportunities for attendees to meet one-on-one with subject matter experts on K-12, higher ed and educational research opportunities.

About the Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.