[Federal Register: March 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 42)] [Notices] [Page 10996-10997] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr03mr06-95] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request AGENCY: National Science Foundation. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance for this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than three years. Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information of respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written comments should be received by May 2, 2006, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and requests for copies of the proposed information collection request should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 295, Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to splimpton@nsf.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292-7556 or send e-mail to splimpton@nsf.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: Evaluation of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program. OMB Control No.: 3145-New. Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable. Abstract: The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded a program, called Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), designed to help institutions strengthen the quality of their undergraduate STEM programs. The Urban Institute is conducting an evaluation of the HBCU-UP program. Using a mixed-methods approach, UI researchers will conduct an evaluation [[Page 10997]] over three years to study the effectiveness of the program. The evaluation will include both process and summative components. The process component will document how different models within the Program are being implemented, thus helping evaluators to link strategies to outcomes, identify crucial components of different models, and contribute to the construction of general theories to guide future initiatives to increase the diversity of the STEM workforce. The summative component of the evaluation will focus on the extent to which the Program has produced outcomes that meet stated goals for students, faculty and institutions. The process evaluation will rely mainly on qualitative data collected during case study site visits and interviews; the summative evaluation will rely primarily on data collected through a survey of graduates. Respondents: Graduates of undergraduate programs in STEM at Historically Black Colleges and Universities awarded an HBCU-UP grant from NSF. Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 5,000 (total). Burden on the Public: 1,250 hours. Dated: February 27, 2006. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 06-1955 Filed 3-2-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555-01-M