Final Performance Report Narrative: Development Impact Science Corps (DISC) 2023

(AFPI) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), aimed to provide scientific and technical expertise to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) between September 2021 and August 2023. The program's primary objective was to connect science with policy and foster a network of science and engineering leaders who understand government and policymaking. The STPF program, which has been contributing scientific and technical expertise to the U.S. government since 1973, has successfully placed over 600 fellows at USAID since its inception. During the DISC award period, the program placed 70 individuals at USAID, both in its headquarters in Washington, DC, and in Overseas Missions. Fellows brought their scientific and technical knowledge, as well as enthusiasm and dedication to public service, to support the mission of USAID while engaging in professional development growth opportunities. The partnership between STPF and USAID through DISC and prior arrangements has been crucial to ensuring that science is embedded into USAID's work supporting partner nations to become self-reliant and lead their own development. STPF fellows at USAID have made tremendous contributions to the quality of life for people around the world. The program's alumni network, which is over 4,000 strong, was utilized to increase outreach efforts through their professional affiliations and personal connections. The STPF program implemented a year-round outreach strategy to recruit highly qualified applicants from a variety of sectors, including universities, industry, non-profits, national laboratories, etc. The program utilized AAAS's extensive national and international network, maintained its own website, and had a dedicated set of pages on the AAAS website. STPF staff also built and maintained social media presences on platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Targeted email nurturing campaigns to potential applicants were executed using Marketo messaging software featuring a variety of communications designed to raise program awareness and encourage the submission of an application. The selection and placement process involved a rigorous, multi-tier merit-based review and selection process. Candidates were judged on their educational and professional credentials and references, demonstrated excellence in a specific area of science or engineering, ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing), and leadership potential. The goal was to select the best scientists and engineers from the applicant pool, as well as those whose experiences and interests fit the mission and objectives of the STPF program and the broad aims of the fellowship host agencies. The STPF created an online application portal that served as a one-stop shop for applicants, potential host offices, reviewers, and STPF staff. After each application closed, STPF staff reviewed completed applications to ensure that applicants met the designated eligibility criteria and that all required application documentation was received. Eligible and completed applications were then sent to Selection Committees for the first round of review. Selection Committees reviewed and scored applications in early December through mid-January each selection cycle, followed by virtual interviews of selected semi-finalists in late-February and early-March. The program's placement process involved soliciting interest from potential host offices starting in late-January or early-February. Interested offices needed to have individual staff members register with the STPF application portal. A training on the application portal and placement process was provided by STPF staff to participating individuals each year. Offices interested in hosting fellows were required to submit "position descriptions" for fellowship placement by mid-March. Finalist application information was shared with office representatives in late March and was accessible via the online application portal. After a short period providing for office review of candidate materials, offices were allowed to pre-schedule interviews for "Finalist Interview Week".