Since 2004, BEST has reviewed the educational outreach programs of the Department of the Army and the Office of Naval Research. In addition, BEST has supported the dissemination of a hands-on curriculum enhancement, Materials World Modules, in schools near U.S. Department of Defense laboratories in Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware and New York.

• MWM Evaluation of Materials World Modules:
  2006 Summer Institute (.pdf)

BEST was launched in 2001 to follow through on recommendations of the Congressional Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology Development.

BEST convened the nation’s respected practitioners, researchers and policymakers and identify “what’s working” across the country to develop the technical talent of under-represented groups in pre-K through 12, higher education, and the workplace. No comprehensive assessment on this scale had ever been attempted. Three blue ribbon panels published their reports in 2004:

• “What it Takes:
  Pre-K-12 Design Principles to Broaden Participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics”
  - Part 1
  - Part 2


• “A Bridge for All:
  Higher Education Design Principles to Broaden Participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics”
  


• "The Talent Imperative:
  Diversifying America’s Science and Engineering Workforce” BEST was launched as a workforce initiative of the Council on Competitiveness in Washington, DC. BEST offices are located in San Diego, CA.