Public Policy

Special Interest Group

The Public Policy Special Interest Group mission is to study, discuss, educate, and advise on public policy issues affecting Black engineers and scientists in academia, industry, government, and public communities. Our goal is to affect positive change as a Society in STEM-related policies in education, the workforce, and the world. To achieve this goal, we have four specific areas of focus - 1) Policy Research, 2) Social Justice & Community Empowerment, and 3) Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Education and 4) Technology & Innovation.

Ways to get Involved

If you are interested in learning more about the SIG and opportunities to participate in upcoming events and/or assist with this year’s policy efforts, please complete this ONLINE FORM. For more information regarding other ways to actively participate in the Public Policy SIG, please contact the director at policydirector@nsbe.org.

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Focus Areas

Five project team areas help Public Policy SIG advance its mission and goals. Project Team focus areas and goals are listed below:

STEM Education Project Team

Provides a voice for minority STEM professionals to be involved in STEM Education policy reform & advocacy.
Engages leaders from various stakeholder groups (e.g. government, industry, academia, etc.) who are integral to STEM advocacy efforts.
Educates members & the community on STEM policy.
Provides guidance on policies & recommendations which address outcomes for underrepresented students in STEM; closing the achievement and attainment gap; and STEM curriculum.

Federal Agent Engagement Project Team

Educate NSBE Members on the value of serving on Federal Advisory Boards, Task Forces, and Committees.
Increase participation amongst NSBE Members in Federal Advisory Boards, Task Forces, and Committees
Actively engage in communications with Federal Agencies on the supports that can be offered through NSBE members

Policy Research Team

Leads the charge on conducting research related to the national organization’s short and long-term goals.
Collaborates with other project teams and SIG groups to develop policy position papers that represent the collective voice of all relevant groups, and work with NSBE leadership to communicate any policy changes/decisions to the membership.
Partners with external organizations, groups, and individuals researching policies impacts and outcomes.

Technology & Innovation Project Team

Coordinates a forum for discussions on Technology & Innovation topics related to policy.
Serves as Subject Matter Experts on Technology & Innovation topics.
Provides a wealth of knowledge and solutions on barriers in technology and innovation that lead to gaps.
Seeks to close the gap in technology & innovation by communicating the problem and possible solutions.
Collaborates with other project teams and SIG groups to develop policy position papers that represent the collective voice of all relevant groups, and work with NSBE leadership to communicate any policy changes/decisions to the membership.
Partners with external organizations that advocate for technology & innovation diversity, inclusion, and opportunities.

Social Justice & Community Engagement

Leads the charge on keeping NSBE members informed of social justice issues.
Leads the Advocacy Training Series to direct members on proper engagement and activism.
Engages with the community and NSBE Public Policy SIG partners on justice and policy issues related to the NSBE mission.
Informs NSBE Policy SIG members of the legal and justice issues related to Education, Science, and Technology.
Collaborates with other Public Policy Project Teams and NSBE SIG groups to develop policy address represent the collective voice of all relevant groups, and work with NSBE leadership to communicate any policy changes/decisions to the membership.
Partners with external organizations that can strengthen the communities, and therefore advocacy efforts of the Public Policy SIG.

Public Policy Special Interest Group Director

Ms. Bray is a national and international leader in Science Policy, Public Health, and STEM Education. In addition to her work in STEM areas, she is an entrepreneur in the leadership training space; and also advices technology companies on resource management and organizational structure.

Over the past 25 years as a member of NSBE, she has held various leadership positions which included serving on the NSBE Region II Board, President of the NSBE DC Professionals Chapter, and Public Policy SIG Research Director.

For more information regarding the Public Policy SIG, send a message to nsbepolicy@nsbe.org.