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Science Education and Workforce Development

To better secure the future of American agriculture, forest, grazing, and wetland science, we must fund Science Education and Workforce Development supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA), Land‐Grant University System (LGU), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This support is essential if the U.S. is to effectively compete with other nations already making huge investments in science education and research. The new economy should include a clear science-based approach and structure, built on innovation.

 

 Approaches to Science Education and Workforce Development

  • LGU and USDA NIFA: LGU scientists, through research, education and extension, bring science into practice. USDA NIFA formula funding (Hatch) of experiment stations provides the base funding required to address local priorities and immediate concerns, while Smith‐Lever funds allow LGUs to transfer new technologies and consult with stakeholders.
  • Interagency Competitive Educational Grant Programs: Increased support is needed for K‐12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, as well as fellowships and internships. Support for NSF’s Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program and Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) program, as well as USDA NIFA’s Higher Education Challenge Grants (HEC) program, fosters valuable educational experiences, ultimately contributing to workforce development.
  • Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI): A competitive grants program authorized at $700 million annually, for research, extension, and education in support of our nation’s food and agricultural systems within USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This unique program takes research and innovation through the development phase and into implementation through contemporary education and extension programs.
 
Policy Tools
  • Coalitions--ASA, CSSA, and SSSA collaborate with other organizations by participating in coalitions that support science education and workforce development funding.
  • Congressional Soils Caucus--The Congressional Soils Caucus (PDF) was established in June, 2006 to educate policymakers and stakeholders about the importance of soils and soil science. The Caucus consists of 51 members (PDF) with four co-chairs, both Democrats and Republicans, from the House Agriculture Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.
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