01-30893. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments should be received by February 12, 2002, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date would be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments regarding the information collection and requests for copies of the proposed information collection request should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 22230, or by E-mail to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne Plimpton on [phone] or send E-mail to [e-mail]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: The Evaluation of NSF's Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program.

OMB Control No.: 3145-NEW.

Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

1. Abstract

This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data collection instruments to be used in the evaluation of the Louis Stokes Alliance of Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program. The goal of this program is to increase the number of interested, academically qualified minority students receiving baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), continuing to graduate school to attain a STEM graduate degree, and entering the STEM workforce. The program makes awards to alliances, which are composed of institutional partnerships (e.g., with two- and four-year higher education institutions, business, research labs, and local, state, and federal agencies). LSAMP projects fund students, offer a range of student support services, and undertake systemic reform of undergraduate education in STEM (particularly curricular improvement and faculty professional development). This mixed-methods study will gather data through telephone interviews with project staff, a survey questionnaire of program graduates, and in person interviews with faculty, staff, and students at three selected case study sites. The process evaluation component of this study will identify strategies that accelerate or inhibit the attainment of project goals, strategies employed to promote linkages among Alliance partners, and the manner in which the LSAMP model has evolved since its inception. The impact evaluation component of this study will examine program impact on institutions of higher education in promoting diversity in STEM, and participant career outcomes.

2. Expected Respondents

The expected respondents are project directors and/or managers of all 27 projects; LSAMP graduates who received program funding and who earned STEM baccalaureate degrees between 1992 and 1997; ad, faculty, staff, and student participants at the three selected case study sites.

3. Burden on the Public

The total elements for this collection are 308 burden hours for a maximum of 795 participants annually, assuming a 90-100% response rate. The average annual reporting burden is under 1 hour per respondent. The burden on the public is negligible because the study is limited to project participants that have received funding from the LSAMP Program.

Dated: December 10, 2001.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

NSF Reports Clearance Officer.