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This workshop presents a framework for developing an idea in engineering education into a project suitable for an NSF education program and then writing a competitive proposal for that project. The workshop begins with strategies for evolving nascent ideas about engineering education into well formulated projects with clear outcomes and goals. Next, an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses in the engineering education proposals submitted in the CCLI Phase 1 competition in 2005 and 2006 is given. This analysis identified the most common strengths and weaknesses cited by the review panels in discussing the proposals. Finally, the workshop leaders discuss key elements of successful projects based on their experience as NSF program directors and present best practices for developing competitive proposals. The workshop is intended for faculty members who are seeking external support for educational research and development projects, particularly through the NSF CCLI program. Participants will develop a better understanding of the role that reviewers play in the proposal decision process, the factors that reviewers consider in evaluating proposals and approaches for anticipating and responding to these factors.

The workshop is intended for faculty members who are seeking external support for educational research and development projects, particularly through the NSF CCLI program. The session is based on an analysis of the most common strengths and weaknesses in two years of CCLI Phase 1 engineering proposals. Interactive session will explore approaches for enhancing these strengths and dealing with these weaknesses in preparing proposals.

Report findings in Engineering Education developed by the National Academy of Engineering entitled "Educating the Engineer of 2020: Adapting Engineering Education to the New Century", identify the importance of integrating leadership and management studies within engineering curriculums to educate future engineering graduates. Currently, most engineering education curriculums do not include courses that adequately prepare students for leadership and management positions. Therefore, the education gap identified between engineering curriculums and industry management and leadership skills suggests the need for curriculum reform. In response to this need, faculty within the Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Systems at the University of Central Florida have developed a curriculum that supports the offering of a Minor in Engineering Leadership & Management for top performing undergraduate students majoring in various disciplines of engineering or computer science.