Issues and recommendations concerning a national policy for undergraduate science education are examined from the perspectives of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the corporate sector, and the National Higher Education Associations' Task Force. In "The Federal Role in Undergraduate Science and Engineering Education," NSF Director Erich Block considers economic challenges that affect research and education and tells of undergraduate activities and programs that NSF has created in response to these challenges. In "Some Personal Observations from the Private Sector," Hewlett-Packard scientist and manager James W. Serum discusses interest in science careers, the research focus of undergraduate institutions, and the shortage of instrumentation and equipment for scientific research and education. Finally, the Task Force report, "National Priorities for Undergraduate Science and Engineering Education," recommends that NSF: (1) start a challenge grant program to improve undergraduate science and engineering education; (2) start some consortia as centers of instructional excellence in undergraduate science, engineering, and technical programs; (3) expand the college science instrumentation program; and (4) expand support for undergraduate research activities. (SW)