Shifting From Diversity and Inclusion to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM Education

The slow demographic shifts we've watched over decades will finally reach a tipping point in the 2040s and minorities will become the majority in the U.S. by 2045.

We have an opportunity for STEM programs to shift from traditional learning models to increase the number of female and BIPOC students pursuing a degree in science and engineering. Recent data shows that when BIPOC and female students are paired with mentors of similar backgrounds and demographics they are twofold more likely to pursue STEM careers. Support needs to go beyond access to representation.

What steps do we need to take to move past recruitment-centric efforts to an intentional effort to inspire the next generation and scientists and engineers as early as K-12 education to college?

Moderator:

Deldelp Medina

Executive Director 

Black & Brown Founders

Panelists:

Tong Zhang

Executive Director

Oregon MESA

Carlos Crespo

Vice Provost

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health