Discussed is the mission of the National Science Foundation regarding science education in the United States. Recent history of supported programs is described. Efforts to reorganize the foundation are reported. (CW)

Projections are analyzed for the future supply and demand of scientists and engineers. The demographics of the college-age population combined with estimates of the percentage of students who will pursue careers in science and engineering indicate significant shortfalls between the supply and demand for the next several decades. (CW)

Provided are projections for the scientific job market in the 1990s. Predicted are increases in the numbers of engineering positions above the rate of growth for all other occupations. The status and outlook for minority groups are highlighted. (CW)