Comment from Mike Wakin

[200.300, 200.218] To Whom it May Concern: I am a Professor of Electrical Engineering. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.300 and 200.218 that would impede STEM recruitment and retention initiatives and restrict certain research fields vital to broadening participation in STEM. My students and I have created a series of STEM Kits that we distribute for free to local schools and youth organizations. These kits help raise awareness of STEM topics and help inspire the next generation of American students to pursue educations and careers in STEM fields. This activity also helps connect university faculty and students with the local community. Halting such efforts would promote the "ivory tower" perception of higher education. The National Science Foundation has two overarching criteria for evaluating proposals: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Having held several NSF grants and served on multiple NSF panels, I can say that there are a huge variety of laudable outreach efforts being made that will have positive broader impacts on American youth from all backgrounds. Science makes America great. To remain competitive, our country must inspire and nurture the talents of all its students.