OSTP’s STEM Five-Year Plan - A Blueprint for Advancing STEM Education and Talent
By: Don Mulvaney
As we all know, Animal Sciences is a multifaceted STEM field that studies animal biology and management to improve the lives of both animals and humans. It applies principles from the biological, physical, and social sciences to problems in livestock production and management. A recently released Federal Strategic Plan for Advancing STEM Education and Cultivating STEM Talent by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) represents a potentially pivotal moment for STEM education and workforce development in the United States. The Committee report on STEM (CoSTEM), which consists of over 20 federal agencies, lays out an ambitious five-year strategy which builds upon the current administration’s interest in fostering a prepared national workforce capable of addressing pressing global challenges.
Rooted in three guiding principles—access and opportunity, partnerships and ecosystem development, and transparency and accountability—the STEM plan charts a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing STEM engagement, teaching, workforce readiness, research innovation, and learning environments. At its core is a recognition that a collaborative, multi-sector approach is vital to cultivating a talent pipeline urgently needed to sustain U.S. leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The plan is structured around five interdependent pillars: 1) STEM Engagement: Emphasizing inspiration and belonging, this pillar promotes lifelong learning by engaging communities and individuals in STEM. It highlights public participation and interdisciplinary connection to drive curiosity and skill-building; 2) STEM Teaching and Learning: With an emphasis on ending disparities, the plan seeks to strengthen STEM educational outcomes at all levels, including expanding the teacher pipeline and equipping educators with resources for inclusive, effective teaching; 3) STEM Workforce: Recognizing the urgent need for agility in meeting scientific and technological demands, this pillar focuses on recruiting and retaining talent capable of tackling emerging challenges such as AI, and biosecurity; 4) STEM Research and Innovation Capacity: By advancing cutting-edge research and expanding access to research opportunities, this pillar cultivates innovation and entrepreneurial talent, ensuring diverse communities can contribute to and benefit from advancements in STEM; and 5) STEM Environments: To remove barriers to participation, this pillar addresses critical issues such as safe working environments, career flexibility, and equitable opportunities, aiming to promote retention and success across STEM fields.
So, what are the implications for Animal Sciences? For the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), this strategic plan offers a call to action. Animal science professionals and educators are uniquely positioned to contribute to several pillars of the plan as we pursue numerous Grand Challenges (www.asas.org/about/public-policy/asas-grand-challenges). For instance, fostering STEM engagement can inspire youth and underrepresented groups to explore diverse careers in animal agriculture, biotechnology, veterinary medicine and sustainable food systems. Moreover, expanding research innovation capacity aligns with the animal science community’s role in tackling global challenges like food security/insecurity, diet-health relationships, animal welfare and wellness and improved efficiency of production.
The plan underscores the importance of public-private partnerships. As Animal Science researchers collaborate with industries, nonprofits, and other academic institutions, we can help amplify the impact of STEM education initiatives, from workforce development programs to community outreach. ASAS members will play a critical role in leveraging such partnerships to advance both animal science and general STEM-related goals.
As the Committee on STEM plan rolls out, it is essential for our professional organization to align our efforts with the framework provided in the plan. Whether through supporting STEM teachers, creating engaging outreach programs, or promoting diversity in research and workforce development, there are amazing opportunities to contribute to this national priority.
Per the report, the next five years represent a transformative period for STEM education and workforce cultivation. By embracing the principles and pillars outlined in the OSTP’s strategy, ASAS and its members can ensure that animal science plays a leading role in advancing STEM talent and meeting the challenges of the future.
For further details, read the full Federal Strategic Plan here.
