Appendices

Appendix A

Recommendations

The following four tables correspond to the Strategic Priorities outlined in the NEAR report. Each table presents a set of recommendations, categorized by group, and identifies whether it should be addressed at the national level, regional/local level, or both. To avoid redundancy, overlapping recommendations within the Strategic Priorities have been consolidated.

Strategic Priority 1: Enhance Career Awareness
Strategic Priority 1: Enhance Career Awareness
Recommendation K-12 Vo-Tech/Community College University Professional Development Local/Regional National

Expose K-12 Students to Nuclear Energy Fundamentals

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Integrate Nuclear Career Exploration into Curriculum

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Develop Unified Messaging Across Education Levels to Address Misconceptions and Promote the Benefits of Nuclear Energy

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Highlight a Range of Professional Journeys

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Develop a Digital Hub

 

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Integrate Nuclear Career Pathways into Academic Programs

 

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Offer or Expand Experiential Learning Opportunities

 

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Provide or Enhance Career Counseling and Support Services

 

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Establish Nuclear Industry Ambassador Programs

 

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Enhance Career Services and Mentorship Networks

 

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Create Interactive Career Pathway Tools

 

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Foster Community and Industry Engagement

 

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Develop Tiered Communication Strategies

 

 

 

 

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Implement Targeted Communication Strategies

 

 

 

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Develop Centralized Digital Platforms

 

 

 

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Foster Tri-Sector Partnership Councils

 

 

 

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Strengthen Recruitment and Support Programs for Veterans and Emerging Talent

 

 

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Strategic Priority 2: Support Pipeline and Pathway Development
Strategic Priority 2: Support Pipeline and Pathway Development
Recommendation K-12 Vo-Tech/Community College University Professional Development Local/Regional National

Develop Reproducible STEM Programs

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Partner Educators with Industry Experts

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Introduce Nuclear Safety Culture

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Offer or Expand Experiential Learning Opportunities and Bootcamps

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Implement Multi-Channel Outreach

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Expand Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs

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Develop Stackable Credential Programs and Certificates

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Support for Emerging Talent

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Develop Internships and Mentorship Programs and Alumni Networks

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Establish Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Programs

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Foster Academic Pathways and Transfers and Formalize Transfer Pathways

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Integrate Advanced Nuclear Technologies into Curricula

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Implement Data Collection Program and Track Outcomes and Share Successes

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Integrate Sociotechnical Competencies in Curriculum

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Provide Research Placement Opportunities

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Develop Leadership-Focused Graduate Programs

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Promote Faculty Exchanges and Industry Internships

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Establish Industry Advisory Boards

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Broaden Access to Training

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Establish Regional Training Hubs

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Update Training Curriculum Regularly

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Create Career Mapping Tools

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Formalize Mentorship and Peer Learning

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Offer Detail Assignments and Rotational Programs

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Leverage Professional Expertise

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Integrate Advanced Learning Technologies into Training

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Strategic Priority 3: Identify Financial Support, Resources, and Programs
Strategic Priority 3: Identify Financial Support, Resources, and Programs
Recommendation K-12 Vo-Tech/Community College University Professional Development Local/Regional National

Develop a Centralized Funding Portal

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Engage Industry and Government Partners

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Expand Student Financial Support, Financial Aid, and Subsidized Programs

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Develop a Strategic Sustainability Plan to secure long-term funding

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Coordinate Work-Study and Part-Time Opportunities

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Provide Wraparound Support Services

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Pursue Collaborative Grant Opportunities

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Identify and Secure Funding

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Secure Long-Term Funding Commitments

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Support Educator Development

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Advocate for Dedicated Funding Streams

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Offer Financially Supportive Programs

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Leverage Career Centers and Online Resources

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Encourage Professional Association Memberships

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Strategic Priority 4: Optimize Academic Resources Through Collaboration
Strategic Priority 4: Optimize Academic Resources Through Collaboration
Recommendation K-12 Vo-Tech/Community College University Professional Development Local/Regional National

Raise Awareness and Promote Existing Programs

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Create an Open Educational Resource Repository

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Develop Standardized Introductory Courses

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Establish a Consortium for Online Learning

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Develop National Teaching Guidelines

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Foster/Promote a Culture of Continuous Learning

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Form Inter-Institutional Partnerships

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Expand Access to Shared Facilities and Leverage Federal Reactor and Training Programs

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Establish and Institutionalize Faculty Mentorship Networks

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Invest in Faculty Development

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Host Curriculum Innovation Summits

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Establish a National Advisory Board at the Federal Level

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Establish Academic Consortia

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Develop Train-the-Trainer and Pedagogical Programs

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Strengthen Academic-Industry Partnerships

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Establish a Consortium for Online Learning

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Incorporate Experiential and Immersive Learning

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Appendix B

Example Implementation Methods, Tools and Resources

The following four tables align with the Strategic Priorities outlined in the NEAR Report. The tables include example recommendations, implementation strategies, and possible tools and resources. Future updates of the NEAR Report will provide more examples.

Strategic Priority 1: Enhance Career Awareness
Recommendation: Develop Unified Messaging Across Education Levels to Address Misconceptions and Promote the Benefits of Nuclear Energy
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

  • Collaborate with non-governmental
    organizations (e.g., NEI, ANS,
    EPRI, ORAU PNE) and academic
    partners to standardize messaging
  • Develop a national branding campaign to promote the benefits and career pathways of nuclear energy
  • Develop and distribute informational materials (e.g., brochures, videos, digital content) tailored for diverse audiences
  • Ensure all outreach materials highlight current and emerging career opportunities in the nuclear sector
  • Share resources with schools, community organizations, and workforce partners nationwide
  • Host career fairs, webinars, and information sessions for students, families, and community members
Recommendation: Highlight a Range of Professional Journeys
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

  • Create video interviews and written profiles of professionals from varied backgrounds
  • Share stories through university, industry, and social media channels
  • Hold community events and school visits highlighting the benefits of a diverse workforce
  • Partner with professional societies for outreach events
  • Partner with institutions and schools serving a wide range of students
  • Online platforms for hosting webinars (e.g., Zoom)
  • Social media platforms
  • Video hosting platforms (e.g., YouTube)
  • Industry conference
  • School-sponsored events
  • Nuclear Science Week
  • Boy and Girl Scouts Merit Badge Workshops
Recommendation: Integrate Nuclear Energy Awareness into Broader STEM initiatives
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

  • Partner with STEM organizations to create and incorporate nuclear energy modules
  • Develop nuclear energy-focused workshops and activities at STEM fairs and events
  • STEM organizations (e.g., Project Lead the Way, For
    Inspiration and Recognition of
    Science and Technology, Women in
    Science, ORAU K-12 STEM Education
    Programs)
  • STEM curricula providers
  • STEM fair organizers
  • Online learning platforms
  • National Science Week toolkits
Recommendation: Provide or Enhance Career Counseling and Support Services
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Establish formal career counseling and mentoring programs
  • Offer resume workshops and interview coaching
  • Host career fairs and information sessions
  • Maintain a job/internship board specific to nuclear careers
  • Assign dedicated career counselors
  • Establish mentorship programs tied to professional organizations
Recommendation: Provide Research Placement Opportunities
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

University

  • Establish formal agreements for student research placements
  • Create joint research projects and internships
  • Establish summer research internships at national labs
  • Promote student participation in DOE/NEUP and NRC-funded projects
  • Existing legal and partnership frameworks
  • Placement coordinators
Recommendation: Strengthen Recruitment and Support Programs for Veterans and Emerging Talent
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Partner with veterans’ organizations and develop veteran-specific outreach and transition programs
  • Highlight transferable skills in recruitment activities
  • Offer scholarships and transition support (e.g., targeted transition workshops)
  • Offer credit for military experience
  • Veterans Affairs offices – liaison staff
  • Transition program guides
  • Partnerships with Veteran groups
  • Industry mentors
Strategic Priority 2: Support Pipeline and Pathway Development
Recommendation: Create/Offer/Expand Experiential Learning Opportunities and Bootcamps
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH /CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Partner with organizations that have created internship, mentorship, and summer programs for students
  • Integrate AR/VR modules in education and training
  • Host virtual reality tours and simulations
  • Integrate industry site visits, hands-on labs, and facility tours into curriculum
  • Partner with industry to obtain case studies for use in the classroom
  • Existing experiential learning frameworks (e.g., Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle)
  • Immersive learning tools (e.g., GE Hitachi Virtual Reality Solution, AR Deni)
  • Online learning platforms (e.g., Riipen.com)
  • Educational websites and databases (e.g., IAEA's Nuclear Energy Education Resource Hub, ScienceEducation.gov)
  • Simulations and interactive tools (e.g., PhET Interactive Simulations)
  • Virtual nuclear reactor tours (video or 3D)
Recommendation: Develop or Enhance Internship and Mentorship Programs and Alumni Networks
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

VO-TECH / CC

University

  • Expand partnerships with companies for internship and co-op placements
  • Develop formal mentorship networks
  • Establish a phased internship program with pre-and post- internship activities to better prepare and retain students
  • Formalize and establish a communication plan for mentorship programs
  • Encourage graduate students to act as mentors
  • Organize peer learning forums and technical exchanges
  • University career services and alumni associations
  • Professional organizations (e.g., ANS)
  • Government agencies (e.g., NRC, DOE)
  • Online platforms and software (e.g., Engage2Serve, Pathways to Career Success, Zintellect.com)
Recommendation: Develop Stackable Credential Programs and Certificates
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Partner with academic institutions, trade unions, and workforce boards
  • Develop curriculum and certification standards
  • Advertise availability of programs/certificates
  • “Stackable Credentials Tool Kit-Mapping Upward”, Center for Occupational Research and Development, April 2018
  • Apprenticeship program templates
  • Certification bodies
  • Industry trainers
Recommendation: Provide Research Placement Opportunities
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

University

  • Establish formal agreements for student research placements
  • Create joint research projects and internships
  • Establish summer research internships at national labs
  • Promote student participation in DOE/NEUP and NRC-funded projects
  • Existing legal and partnership frameworks
  • Placement coordinators
  • Utilize existing resources like the DOE
    ORISE Program and Zintellect.com
Recommendation: Integrate Advanced Nuclear Technologies into Curricula and Update Training Curriculum Regularly
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Contact nuclear organizations (e.g., NEI, ANS), to identify subject matter experts from industry and academia
  • Partner with subject matter experts and create modules to be used in established courses or summer programs
  • NRC training materials
  • EPRI programs
  • Online DOE STEM Resources
  • Workshops (e.g., DOE/NNSA and Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN))
Recommendation: Establish Industry Advisory Boards
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

VO-TECH / CC

University

  • Define purpose and scope of the board
  • Work with professional organizations to identify and recruit members
  • Establish clear expectations and structure
  • Create an onboarding process
  • Manage Board activities and outcomes
  • Existing Advisory Boards and Committees (e.g., TN Nuclear Energy
    Advisory Council, Advisory Committee
    on Reactor Safeguards, PNE Advisory
    Council)
  • Federal Advisory Committee Act
  • NRC Best Practices and Guidelines Report to Congress
Strategic Priority 3: Identify Financial Support, Resources, and Programs
Recommendation: Develop a Centralized Funding Portal
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Coordinate with industry and government agencies to collect information on funding opportunities
  • Contact non-governmental agencies or not-for-profit organizations to determine who would manage and maintain the database and set up its functionality
  • Create and launch a database listing scholarships, grants, and internship opportunities
  • Regularly update and promote funding opportunities to students and educators
  • Offer application workshops to students
  • Development frameworks
  • Management software
  • Funding discovery and tracking tools
  • Web analytics
  • Social media management
  • Generative AI
  • NSF – Advanced Technical Education - Mentoring services for grant writing:
Recommendation: Develop a Centralized Funding Portal to Engage Industry and Government Partners
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

  • Partner with industry to provide in-kind and financial support of nuclear education programs and resources
  • Partner with government agencies for financial support of nuclear education programs and resources
Recommendation: Expand Student Financial Support, Financial Aid, and Subsidized Programs
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

  • Increase university and industry-sponsored scholarships
  • Apply for federal and state grants
  • Promote and expand federal and state financial aid programs
  • Institutional scholarships and grants
  • Tuition assistance programs
  • Employer and Union assistance programs
  • Online scholarship databases (e.g., scholarships.com, financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov)
Recommendation: Develop a Strategic Sustainability Plan to secure long-term funding
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Develop long-term funding strategies
  • Advocate for government and industry investment
  • Seek grant funding
  • Building partnerships and collaborations
  • Online courses and workshops
  • Guidance from experts
Recommendation: Support Educator Development
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

  • Establish partnerships across academic institutions and identify educator needs
  • Create summer externships
  • Create research opportunities for educators
  • Online learning platforms and courses
  • Professional development organizations, such as ORAU K-12
    STEM Educator Programs
  • Conferences, workshops, bootcamps
  • Collaboration and mentorship
Strategic Priority 4: Optimize Academic Resources Through Collaboration
Recommendation: Create an Open Educational Resource Repository
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Determine which non-governmental or not-for-profit organization will create, manage, and maintain repository
  • Evaluate existing open educational platforms and perform a gap analysis to identify unmet needs
  • Collaborate with industry and government agencies to collect, curate, and develop high-quality curriculum materials
  • Develop a searchable online database
  • Promote and communicate availability of resource repository to educators, institutions, and stakeholders
Recommendation: Develop Standardized Introductory Courses
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources
VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Establish a partnership with representatives from academia, industry, and government
  • Perform foundational planning
  • Develop course content and learning activities
  • Establish a peer review process
  • Collect feedback and make improvements
  • Existing open educational resource platforms
  • Existing introductory courses from selected universities and organizations
Recommendation: Foster/Promote a Culture of Continuous Learning
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

K-12

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof. Devel.

  • Offer micro-credentials
  • Host regular professional development seminars
  • Encourage attendance at conferences and seminars
  • Encourage lifelong learning incentives
  • Existing technology including online learning platforms, VR/AR, data analytics, mentorship programs
  • In-house workshops, seminars, and on-the-job training
  • Government and industry specialized training (e.g., Westinghouse Nuclear)
Recommendation: Establish and Institutionalize Faculty Mentorship Networks
Group Implementation Strategies Tools & Resources

VO-TECH / CC

University

Prof.Devel.

  • Evaluate and expand existing mentorship programs and networks to support new training initiatives
  • Facilitate knowledge transfer between institutions through formal or informal agreements
  • Pair emerging programs with experienced mentors to guide curriculum and workforce alignment
  • Provide guidance on program development based on best practices
  • Mentorship guides and handbooks
  • Mentorship programs and models (e.g., National Research Mentoring Network)