2020-17830. 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Department of State TechWomen Evaluation Survey  

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    ACTION:

    Notice of request for public comment.

    SUMMARY:

    The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

    DATES:

    The Department will accept comments from the public up to October 13, 2020.

    ADDRESSES:

    You may submit comments by the following method:

    • Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2020-0033” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.

    You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Natalie Donahue, Chief of Evaluation, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, ecaevaluation@state.gov who may be reached at (202) 632-6193 or ecaevaluation@state.gov.

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    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    • Title of Information Collection: TechWomen Evaluation Survey.
    • OMB Control Number: None.
    • Type of Request: New collection.
    • Originating Office: Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
    • Form Number: No form.
    • Respondents: TechWomen program mentors, program staff from ECA and the implementing partner (IP), and small sample of additional stakeholders.
    • Estimated Number of Mentor Survey Respondents: 946.
    • Estimated Number of Mentor Survey Responses: 709.
    • Average Time per Mentor Survey: 30 minutes.
    • Total Estimated Mentor Survey Burden Time: 21,270 minutes.
    • Estimated Number of Mentor Key Informant Interview (KII) Participants: 40.
    • Average Time per Mentor KIIs: 60 minutes.
    • Total Estimated Mentor KIIs Burden Time: 2,400 minutes.
    • Total Estimated Burden Time: 23,670 minutes.
    • Frequency: Once.Start Printed Page 49713
    • Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

    • Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
    • Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
    • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
    • Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

    Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

    Abstract of Proposed Collection

    The TechWomen program seeks to “empower, connect, and support the next generation of women leaders in STEM” by providing opportunities for them to reach their full potential and become role models for women and girls in their communities. Through mentorship and exchange, the TechWomen program is designed to strengthen participants' professional capacity, increase mutual understanding between key networks of professionals, and expand women and girls' interest in STEM careers by exposing them to female role models. During the five-week program, foreign participants engage with female leaders in project-based mentorships at leading companies in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area, participate in professional development workshops and networking events, and travel to Washington, DC for targeted meetings and special events to conclude the program. After their completion of the program, emerging leaders and mentors have the opportunity to reconnect during delegation trips to program countries in Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East, which focus on expanding networks of women in STEM fields, creating and strengthening partnerships, encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers and ensuring the sustainability of mentor-fellow relationships. This program is funded pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.).

    To evaluate the impacts of the program, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) intends to conduct an evaluation of the program covering the period of 2011 through 2019. The evaluation will determine the strength and sustainability of professional networks created by the program and the extent to which these networks have been leveraged for collaborations between Alumnae to enact change. In order to do so, ECA contracted Social Impact (SI) in early 2020 to conduct an evaluation of the TechWomen program.

    Methodology

    The evaluation will use a mixed-methods design including a quantitative survey and key informant interviews (KIIs). Data from these methods will be used to assess the strength of mentor-alumnae networks as a result of the TechWomen project. The evaluation's approach prioritizes ECA utilization of recommendations to maximize the reach and impact of the TechWomen program. The evaluation will include 40 Key Informant Interviews in the Silicon Valley/Bay Area. The sampling will include Professional Mentors, Cultural Mentors, and Impact Coaches. The Evaluation Team (ET) will gather survey data using the network survey platform ONASurveys.com and will use data from the online survey to provide visual representations and analytic data of the TechWomen network structure.

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    Aleisha Woodward,

    Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Department of State.

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    [FR Doc. 2020-17830 Filed 8-13-20; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4710-05-P

Document Information

Published:
08/14/2020
Department:
State Department
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of request for public comment.
Document Number:
2020-17830
Dates:
The Department will accept comments from the public up to October 13, 2020.
Pages:
49712-49713 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Public Notice 11173
PDF File:
2020-17830.Pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Department of State TechWomen Evaluation Survey