Bi-Annual Performance Report Narrative

(AFPI) in partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), aims to provide scientific and technical expertise to the U.S. government, specifically to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The program's mission is to connect science with policy and develop a network of science and engineering leaders who understand government and policymaking. The program has a long history, dating back to 1973, with over 580 fellows placed at USAID since its inception. The DISC program will supply USAID with fellows through the Development Impact Science Corps (DISC) program over the time period of the award. The program's mission is to provide economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide. The AAAS Fellowship Program, Inc. (AFPI) was pleased to hire Jennifer Brown as a Facility Security Officer (FSO) in January 2021. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the federal security field and will serve as a key contributor for AFPI in maintaining a Facility Security Clearance and assisting USAID fellows with security and background investigation requirements. The AFPI team received their secret clearances in March 2021. The team also received approval for several mandatory reports as part of the award start, including a Gender Analysis, Implementation Plan, Branding and Marking Plan, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan. The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan was refined based on USAID feedback, with a focus on reframing indicators to demonstrate the metric being measured and establishing achievable targets. The plan also provided additional contextual information. The STPF staff continued to refine the MEL Plan, with a focus on establishing achievable targets and providing additional contextual information. The plan was submitted to USAID in April 2021. The STPF program conducted selection interviews in February and March 2021, with 178 finalists moving forward to participate in Finalist Interview Week. Potential host offices interviewed finalists in April 2021, and offers for fellowship placements were sent starting on April 28, 2021. The STPF program also engaged with institutions of higher education through virtual campus visits, university-organized virtual career fairs, and fellow-led campus information sessions. The program works to ensure a fellowship body that reflects the full diversity of the society, with a focus on underrepresented groups. The STPF program convened a meeting with Partner Societies on April 21, 2021, and one with Executive Host Agencies on April 29, 2021. During these meetings, program partners were provided with updates on the program's continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, survey data from 2019-2020, the outlook for the 2021-2022 cohort, current professional development initiatives, and diversity initiatives. The program's progress against indicators is as follows: * Intermediate Result 1: Connect Science with Policy + Indicator Code: Custom Indicator 1 + Indicator Name: % of Host Offices reporting that fellows had meaningful impact on the host office + Life of Project: Y1 actual: 95% + Y1 target: 95% + Y2 actual: 95% + Y2 target: 95% + Y3 actual: 95% + Y3 target: 95% The program's progress against indicators demonstrates a strong connection between science and policy, with 95% of host offices reporting that fellows had meaningful impact on the host office.