02-6283. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review; comment request.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has submitted the following information collection requirement to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. This is the second notice; the first notice was published at 66 FR 64889 and no comments were received. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for National Science Foundation, 725-17th Street, NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, and to Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230 or send email to [e-mail]. comments regarding these information collections are best assured to having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling 703-292-7556.

NSF may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

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 for 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; and, 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: March 11, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.