Engaging a Diversity of Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2012, more than 2 million additional professional technology-related jobs will be created in the U.S. At the same time, the number of students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is declining. As the number of entry workers declines, and the retirement of older workers shrinks the workforce in these areas, certain groups—women, minorities, people with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged economic backgrounds—continue to be underrepresented. EDC has developed a number of resources to encourage exploration and pursuit of STEM careers.
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TOUR EDC'S ONLINE
RESOURCES
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Resources for Diversity
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The Gender & Science Digital Library (GSDL) is an online resource of exemplary STEM educational resources and services for use in both formal and informal learning environments. The goal of the GSDL is to provide gender equitable, educational materials that promote interest and engagement in STEM by all learners, particularly females and under-represented populations.
Visit the GSDL Web site. 
The Gender, Diversities, and Technology Institute (GDI) at EDC provides a global forum that explores race, ethnicity, economic status, disability, and sexual orientation in relation to working and learning. GDI projects focus on increasing participation in and distributing ownership of the “new knowledge society” brought about by emerging technologies.
Visit the GDI Web site.
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STEM Careers
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The Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Resource Center is designed to increase opportunities for students and teachers to apply information technologies to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The center assists projects around the country by engaging in research, providing technical support, and disseminating project models, instructional materials, and best practices.
Visit the ITEST Web site.
Read a feature article about the ITEST Resource Center.
Download a copy of "Engaging Girls and Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: The Future Workforce" (PDF, Adobe Acrobat required).
Download a copy of “Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Participants through Community Partnerships and Other Strategies” (PDF, Adobe Acrobat required). |
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Career Exploration
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The FunWorks helps young people—particularly females, minority populations, students of poverty, and students with disabilities—explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Developed with a national advisory board representing STEM professional and educators and based on extensive research with young people and teachers, the site offers interactive services to engage diverse populations of middle school-age students in explorations into how their day-to-day interests relate to the world of work.
Visit the FunWorks Web site.
Read a feature article about the FunWorks. |
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Diversity in Technical Careers
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Increasing minority and female students’ interest and success in careers in science, engineering, and technology is the focus of Upping the Numbers, an EDC report that documents obstacles in and solutions for achieving this goal.
Read a feature article about and download a copy of Upping the Numbers.
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Afterschool Clubs |
EDC published a report, Science Clubs for Girls: A Guide to Starting Your Own, which describes how to build, maintain, and finance an afterschool science club. Science clubs aim to counter the disparities and inequities between men and women in science and math performance, career options, and career choices.
Read a feature article about and download a copy of the report. |
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Exploring Ancient Science |
Nubia, the ancient African civilization, rivaled ancient Egypt in terms of power, organization, and technological achievement. Through an interactive Web site, documentary video, and a traveling hands-on exhibit, digNubia introduces students to archaeological research as they explore Nubian mathematics, engineering, history, and language. The project uses an African historical and cultural context to resonate with African-American audiences.
Visit the digNubia Web site.
Read a feature article about digNubia. |
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