Therefore, NAVSEA’s initiative focuses on a ten year window to establish a comprehensive program of engagement, outreach, and resource development starting at “the roots”: the educational community from middle school to high school to undergraduate to graduate to the doctoral level. This approach would help implement many of the NAS Storm Report actions and results from recognition that:

• 8th Graders today will become the future Navy Sailors who will join the Navy after high school graduation in 2012.

• 8th Graders in FY07 (2006–2007) will be graduating college in 2016 and taking jobs in STEM fields.

• 8th Graders today will become the future math and science teachers in 2016 at the elementary, middle school, and high school level.

• 8th Graders today will become the future Naval Officers receiving commissions after graduation in 2016.

• 8th Graders today will become the future college professors training future leaders in the STEM fields in 2020.

NAVSEA recognizes that there are many (individual) initiatives already underway throughout the Navy, the academic community, and industry, which can contribute to NAVSEA’s expansion of the NAS approach. With better coordination and resources, NAVSEA initiatives could be expanded to other agencies and institutionalized by Congress in pending House and Senate National Defense Education Acts.

Examples of initiatives at NAVSEA are:

• A collaborative interaction with HBCUs to initiate a workforce development effort emphasizing job articulation (Dimension), quality of life to retain the workforce (Retention), and a career development pathway (Ascension).

• Engagement with MIs including groups oriented towards women and Hispanics.

• Small business interactions to leverage federal government funding initiatives including Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

• Warfare centers and field command programs such as the Naval Underwater Center’s (NUWC’s) Upward Bound Program with Rhode Island College, Naval