Graduate Education and the Changing Face of America

Council of Graduate Schools
Press Release April 23, 2009

Report urges national commitment to developing domestic talent

Washington, DC (April 23, 2009) – U.S. graduate education is widely considered the best in the world, attracting top domestic and international students to our nation’s colleges and universities.But there is a leak in the domestic pipeline, particularly in science and engineering. At a time when the need has never been greater for professionals with the advanced, interdisciplinary training required to solve complex problems, some groups remain highly underrepresented in graduate schools, even as our nation becomes increasingly diverse.A new report from the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) argues that now is the time to reverse this troubling trend by fully developing our domestic talent pool, particularly people from traditionally underrepresented groups, in order to create the highly-skilled workforce necessary to compete in the 21st century economy.Broadening Participation in Graduate Education was released today at a forum held at the Library of Congress, during which Members of Congress, industry leaders, graduate deans and alumni of programs that successfully increased diversity in graduate schools shared their perspectives on the role of graduate education as a key component of a national talent development strategy.The report urges that the U.S. cultivate talent wherever it exists, with particular emphasis on identifying those from traditionally underrepresented groups. It highlights examples of campus, federal, and private initiatives that have had success in broadening participation in graduate education. The report also offers policy recommendations to increase the number of students prepared to enter graduate school, especially in the critical areas of science and engineering.“This report addresses why our nation must develop our domestic talent pool now to prepare the next generation of leaders, knowledge creators, and experts in a wide spectrum of fields," said Debra W. Stewart, CGS president. “Increasing diversity and enhancing inclusiveness efforts are essential as we work to make graduate education a viable option for a growing number of Americans,” Stewart added.The report distinguishes between diversity, described as expanding access and opportunity, and inclusiveness, defined as the commitment and support structures necessary to ensure that[more]Council of Graduate SchoolsOne Dupont Circle NW, Suite 230 • Washington, DC 20036(202) 223-3791 • www.cgsnet.orgstudents from a multitude of different backgrounds, and in different life situations, achieve degree completion.The report’s recommendations for universities and policy makers are intended to revitalize the historic partnership between higher education, government, and the private sector. They include:• Organizing a national summit on investing in human capital and talent in the 21st century.• Creating incentives for all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to pursue graduate education in critical fields through competitive fellowships and traineeships, loan forgiveness, and other measures.• Increase inclusiveness within graduate programs by providing students with the support and resources they need to graduate and to succeed.• Expanding U.S. citizen participation in doctoral study in key fields, such as science, engineering, and those that foster global understanding of languages and culture, by enacting a National Defense Education Act for the 21st Century -- one that makes a special effort to develop the full diversity of talent in our nation.More information on the report is available at www.cgsnet.org.###The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) is an organization of over 500 institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada engaged in graduate education, research, and the preparation of candidates for advanced degrees. Among U.S. institutions, CGS members award 95% of the doctoral degrees and 84% of the master’s degrees.* The organization’s mission is to improve and advance graduate education, which it accomplishes through advocacy in the federal policy arena, research, and the development and dissemination of best practices.* Based on data from the 2007 CGS/GRE Survey of Graduate Enrollment and Degrees

http://www.cgsnet.org/portals/0/pdf/N_pr_Broadening.pdf