"In order to maintain its global leadership, America must ensure our citizens can meet the demands of a more scientifically- and technologically-centered world. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has a key role in creating and maintaining the science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) capacity in this nation. The Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (CEOSE) has been charged by Congress with advising NSF in assuring that all individuals are empowered and enabled to participate fully in the science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) enterprise.