Connectivity 2015 is NACME's new strategic plan

The ambitious new roadmap starts earlier, re-commits to research and invests heavily in STEM policy initiatives

At its June 2-3 meeting, the board of directors of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) reviewed Connectivity 2015, an ambitious new strategic plan for the group. "The new NACME business model calls for sustaining scholarship support for students at the undergrad and graduate levels, growing pre-engineering initiatives at middle school and community college levels, re-committing to research that informs the national debate on diversity with equity in STEM education and careers, and investing in national STEM policy initiatives designed to improve American competitiveness in STEM in a 'flat' world," said NACME CEO and president Irving Pressley McPhail.

At the June 2 dinner, NACME chief Irving Pressley McPhail introduced D/C’s Roberta Renard to the board and other attendees.

Ellen Smith, MWW Group VP, left, with keynote speaker Dr Cora B. Marrett, National Science Foundation acting director.

Keynote speaker at the dinner was Dr. Cora B. Marrett, acting director of the National Science Foundation. She outlined current NSF initiatives for broadening participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM education, research and careers. The guests also heard from congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD), a member of the House committee on science and technology and vice chair of its subcommittee on space and aeronautics. She stressed the critical need for diversity with equity in STEM education and the STEM workforce.

The next day board and staff members attended a series of Capitol Hill briefings on current initiatives in STEM education and the workforce. The group met with a number of officials and their representatives, including Kumar Garg, J.D., of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, chief of President Obama's "Educate to Innovate" initiative.

Diversity/Careers publisher Roberta Renard attended the June 2 dinner at McPhail's invitation. McPhail introduced her to the NACME board and expressed his appreciation of D/C's coverage of NACME over the years.