This project, TALENT-21: Gateway for Advancing Science and Mathematics Talent, is a framework to increase the number of students in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology, enhance the career competitiveness of SMET graduates, and encourage more graduates to pursue the Ph.D. in science or engineering. These goals are accomplished by (1) curricular reform in calculus, chemistry, and physics; (2) broadening interdisciplinary programs; (3) faculty development in successful models of student learning and in effective use of technology in teaching; (4) structured undergraduate research training; (5) undergraduate research experiences with universities, industry, national laboratories; (6) scholarships; (7) summer institutes to help students transition from high school to college and to build academic foundations for success in first and second-year courses; and (8) competitive recruitment. Outstanding qualities of TALENT-21 include a unified approach among faculty in physics, chemistry, and mathematics to improve learning in the SMET "gate keeper" courses, and early involvement of students in research through structured training experiences.
