This RSI effort is NSF s response to the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities-an effort to promote access to high quality educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students while developing innovative linkages among the tribal colleges, elementary and secondary schools. These awardees have made significant progress toward achieving many of the goals outlined in The White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities. The awards begin during the 2000-2001 academic year. RSI targets rural areas in economically disadvantaged regions of the nation that lack support and resources for reform of mathematics, science and technology education.
Projects aim at sustainable, adaptable, and systemic improvements in schools and colleges.
While the primary focus of projects is on providing leadership and support for educational reform in a rural region, effective projects also encourage discussions about how student achievement is tied to economic growth for the region. Projects work to bring together education, economic, and community leaders as partners in developing a comprehensive plan for community involvement.