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Session 2213

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program: A Focus on Diversity Taryn Bayles, Anne Spence, Claudia Morrell University of Maryland Baltimore County

Background

The exponential growth in military spending in Maryland has left educational institutions with the enormous challenge of meeting workforce needs, particularly the need for individuals with degrees in computer science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Given the need, universities and colleges must meet the growing challenge to identify and enroll students in these areas.1 The September 2000 Report of the Congressional Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology Development (CAWMSET), entitled Land of Plenty; Diversity as America’s Competitive Edge in Science, Engineering and Technology, states that “Unless the SET (science, engineering, and technology) workforce becomes more representative of the general U.S. workforce, the nation may likely face severe shortages in SET workers, such as those already seen in many computer-related occupations.” “Yet, if women, underrepresented minorities and persons with disabilities were represented in the SET workforce in parity with their percentages in the total workforce population, this shortage could largely be ameliorated.”2 A recent study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) confirmed this finding. “In our efforts to sustain U.S. productivity and economic strength, underrepresented minorities provide an untapped reservoir of talent that could be used to fill technical jobs.”3

To date, most efforts to recruit and retain female and minority STEM students have been undertaken within departments or programs with a focus on classroom and departmental culture, climate, or activities. Adding women faculty, providing mentoring, and helping women to feel more included in the learning process would likely increase the participation of women in engineering technology and related programs.4, 5, 6 But adding women and minority faculty remains a challenge for a number of reasons which makes providing role models and mentors difficult.7

A second focus for recruiting and retaining students has been on the students themselves and the unique attitudes of women and minorities that can affect their experiences in the program and, consequently, their retention. More specifically, understanding differences in attitudes between minority and majority students may allow departments to make informed programmatic decisions that can impact all attitudes in a positive manner. 8

A third focus has been on the need to reform and revitalize the educational programs to be more in line with both the needs of employers and the current undergraduate student body.

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education

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Morrell, C., & Bayles, T., & Spence, A. (2003, June), Science, Technolgy, Engineering, And Mathematics Talent Expansion Program Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--11635