A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Achieving the Goals--Goal 5- First in the World in Math and Science Technology Resources - November 1996

Department of Defense (DOD)

Defense Technology Conversion, Reinvestment, and Transition Assistance--The Technology Reinvestment Project (TRP)

TRP is a six-agency technology investment effort that includes the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Energy, and Transportation, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. The program requires participation in partnerships and focuses on cost sharing between the partnerships, assisting small businesses and defense-dependent businesses. TRP seeks to develop dual-use technologies, to deploy manufacturing and technology assistance to small firms, and to establish education and training programs that enhance U.S. manufacturing skills and target displaced defense industry workers.

H. Lee Buchanan, Director
Technology Reinvestment Project
Advanced Research Project Agency
3701 North Fairfax Drive, 7th Floor
Arlington, VA 22203-1714
(703) 696-2237 or 1-800-DUAL-USE
e-mail: Dual-Use@arpa.mil

Department of the Army

National Science Center

The National Science Center, with its multifaceted programs, is designed to increase interest in science, math, and technology among students, improve the skills of teachers, and provide math and science education support in the classroom. The center offers hands-on workshops/camps for students and teachers in science, math, electronics and computers nationwide. Portable planetariums for instruction in space science, astronomy, geography, and biology are available on loan to teachers that have been certified through the center's comprehensive training program. In addition, the National Science Center operates a Discovery Center which offers school groups and the general public interactive experiences with scientific exhibits. The center operates mobile versions of the Discover Center that travel nationwide. The National Science Center also reaches out nationally with satellite teleconference programs on science education. The center's Science-by-Mail program encourages pen-pal relationships between students and scientists.

George J. Fry, Jr.
National Science Center
Attention: ATZH-NSC-D
Building 25722
Fort Gordon, GA 30905-5689
(706) 791-7621
e-mail: fryg@gordon-nsc1.army.mil
home page: http://www.nsc.gordon.army.mil/

U.S. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Satellite Education Network (MCSEN)

Service members face many challenges when trying to take education classes in their off-duty hours. Primary Change of Station for personnel, Temporary Assignment Duties, and work schedules make it difficult to complete traditional courses and degree programs. In response to the need for flexibility, the Marine Corps has initiated a "virtual" solution via a technological medium called the Marine Corps Satellite Education Network (MCSEN). MCSEN is a real-time communication system that allows audiovisual interaction between classrooms located on Marine bases around the world. For example, if a Marine who is enrolled in a MCSEN- transmitted course at Camp Lejeune is sent TAD to Camp Pendleton, the Marine will be able to participate in the regularly scheduled class via MCSEN--just as if the Marine had never left Camp Lejeune. Marines now have the opportunity to complete degrees with the original school regardless of changes in duty station. The goal of the program is to create a worldwide Marine Corps Campus.

Catherine Mahoney
MCSEN Program Manager
Voluntary Education Programs
U.S. Marine Corps
2 Naval Annex - Code MHF-50
Washington, DC 20380-0001
(703) 696-2044
e-mail: mahoney@mqg-smtp3.usmc.mil

U.S. Navy

Academic Skills Learning Centers

The Navy has found that between 25 and 30 percent of the sailors coming into the service, with or without high school diplomas, are deficient in basic academic skills (primarily basic mathematics, language arts and writing). In order to rectify this situation, the Navy is establishing Academic Skills Learning Centers worldwide at all major Navy installations. The Academic Skills Learning Centers will provide software on CD-ROM. This is a fully integrated learning system which incorporates testing and placement, and tracks the progress of each participant. Each center is staffed by a full-time facilitator who is on hand to assist whenever necessary. Initial experience with these centers is most positive. Sailors are raising their skill levels dramatically and thus qualifying for Navy occupational fields for which they were not originally eligible.

Frances Kelly
Director
Voluntary Educational Services
Bureau of Navy Personnel
Department of the Navy
2 Navy Annex
Washington, DC 20370-6000
(703) 693-1749
e-mail: p60e@bupers.navy.mil

Program for Afloat College Education

Over the past twenty years, the United States Navy has provided sailors deployed on U.S. ships, an opportunity to continue their education. From the mid-70s to the mid-80s, this was accomplished by having films covering selected subjects teach courses. However, not all ships could accommodate these formats and only a portion of the ships could provide sufficient space for civilians teaching the courses. By the mid-80s it was clear that the Navy would have to investigate other delivery systems for providing access to education. Computer technology provided the best answer. Now thousands of sailors in the Persian Gulf, in the Pacific, and in the Mediterranean are taking college courses via computer and interactive video. It is entirely possible for a sailor to complete an associate degree at sea. The Navy is now working to make it possible for sailors to complete a baccalaureate degree under the same circumstances.

Frances Kelly, Director
Voluntary Educational Services
Bureau of Navy Personnel
Department of the Navy
2 Navy Annex
Washington, DC 20370-6000
(703) 693-1749
e-mail: p60e@bupers.navy.mil
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[The Department of Commerce]

[The Department of Energy (DOE)]