For Immediate Release

Contact:
Debra Humphreys, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs
202-387-3760, ext. 422
Humphreys@aacu.org

Susan Elrod, Executive Director, Project Kaleidoscope
202-387-3760, ext. 804
Elrod@aacu.org

Engaging STEM Disciplines To Increase Student Learning About Global Issues Goal of New FIPSE-Supported Initiative

Project Kaleidoscope to Bring Together Disciplinary Societies to Develop Models for Improving Undergraduate STEM Learning in the Context of Global Challenges Facing Our Planet

Washington, DC— October 6, 2010—Project Kaleidoscope and the Association of American Colleges and Universities announced today that the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) is funding a new initiative, “Mobilizing Disciplinary Societies on Behalf of Our Students…and our Planet.”  The pilot project will draw on the expertise of four partner organizations including PKAL and AAC&U as well as Mobilizing STEM Education for a Sustainable Future and the Disciplinary Associations Network for Sustainability.

The project will engage a select group of disciplinary societies all of whom share a commitment to deepening their focus on tackling our planet’s global challenges as part of their undergraduate STEM education activities. The project has two goals: 1) to increase student learning in undergraduate STEM courses; and 2) to better prepare students for real-world twenty-first century “big questions,” including those related to energy, air and water quality, and climate change.

"This is a great opportunity to partner with disciplinary societies, as well as the other partner organizations, on an issue important both for student learning and for meeting complex global challenges," said Susan Elrod, executive director of Project Kaleidoscope. "We look forward in this project to developing effective ways for faculty across the nation to engage students in more interdisciplinary, real world STEM learning that is relevant to their lives and careers."

The project will develop models and mechanisms by which disciplinary societies can more effectively engage their membership, resources, and influence to improve STEM learning in the context of the global challenges facing our planet.  Project activities will involve up to dozens of colleges and universities and will extend through December 2013.

About PKAL

Since its founding in 1989, Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) has been one of the leading advocates in the United States for building and sustaining strong undergraduate programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With an extensive network of over 5,000 faculty members and administrators across the nation, PKAL has developed far-reaching influence in shaping undergraduate STEM learning environments that attract and retain undergraduate students. PKAL accomplishes its work by engaging campus faculty and leaders in funded projects, national and regional meetings, community-building activities, leadership development programs, and publications that are focused on advancing what works in STEM education. http://www.aacu.org/pkal.

About AAC&U

AAC&U is the leading national association concerned with the quality, vitality, and public standing of undergraduate liberal education. Its members are committed to extending the advantages of a liberal education to all students, regardless of academic specialization or intended career. Founded in 1915, AAC&U now comprises 1,200 member institutions—including accredited public and private colleges and universities of every type and size.

AAC&U functions as a catalyst and facilitator, forging links among presidents, administrators, and faculty members who are engaged in institutional and curricular planning. Its mission is to reinforce the collective commitment to liberal education at both the national and local levels and to help individual institutions keep the quality of student learning at the core of their work as they evolve to meet new economic and social challenges.

Information about AAC&U membership, programs, and publications can be found at www.aacu.org.