NSF INCLUDES Coordination Hub

Challenge

Innovation and leadership in STEM require a diverse, globally engaged, well-trained workforce. Yet women, people of color, and people with disabilities are still underrepresented in STEM careers. There is widespread agreement on the urgent need to advance the inclusion of underrepresented groups in STEM fields to develop an informed citizenry and meet current and future challenges.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) INCLUDES initiative worked to enhance our country’s leadership in STEM innovation by creating a STEM workforce that reflects the population of the United States. As a partner in the NSF INCLUDES Coordination Hub, EDC built and maintained a strong national network of people, organizations, and agencies committed to a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable STEM education ecosystem.

Key Activities

With its partners SRI, WestEd, QEM, Equal Measure, and ORS Impact, EDC carried out the following activities:

Maintained the NSF INCLUDES National Network website and online community
Facilitated connections among Network members through online dialogues, affinity groups, and virtual and in-person events, such as the 2023 Network Convening
Built a knowledge base of research-informed resources focused on collaboration, broadening participation, and STEM education
Shared learnings and insights by featuring the work of Network members in blogs, social media, published briefs, presentations, and online events
Built the capacity of Network members to foster and sustain effective collaborations and promote the use of culturally responsive practices

Impact

The INCLUDES National Network counted over 4,200 members, including scientists; engineers; and formal and informal STEM educators, evaluators, researchers, and thought leaders from federal agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations.