Date

Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) is
holding a new competition sponsored by the National Science Foundation's
Directorate for Education and Human Resources Division of Elementary,
Secondary and Informal Education (ESIE). It is in direct response to the
concern about shortages of technology workers in the United States.

Preliminary Proposals (required): Monday, 1 November 2004
Full Proposal Deadline: Wednesday, 9 February 2005

See the full text of the announcement NSF 04-611 at:
http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04611


Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education,
pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 (preK-12), lays the foundation of
knowledge and skills needed by future researchers, educators, and
technologists; students pursuing post-secondary education in other
disciplines; and individuals directly entering the technological
workforce. The Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education
(ESIE) supports the National Science Foundation's mission of providing
leadership and promoting development of the infrastructure and resources
needed to improve preK-12 STEM education throughout the United States.

ITEST is designed to increase the opportunities for students and
teachers to learn about, experience, and use information technologies
within the context of STEM, including Information Technology (IT)
courses. It is in direct response to the concern about shortages of
technology workers in the United States. Supported projects are intended
to provide opportunities for both school-age children and for teachers
to build the skills and knowledge needed to advance their study, and to
function and contribute in a technologically rich society.

ITEST has two components: (a) youth-based projects with strong emphases
on career and educational paths; and (b) comprehensive projects for
students and teachers.

Proposals targeting minorities, persons with disabilities and women are
especially encouraged to apply. All organizations with an educational
mission are eligible. Please see the full text of the announcement for
more information http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf04611.