STEM Education Center to STEM Equity Center: Meaningful Ways to Increase Inclusivity and Access

Because of their unique role at the intersection of teacher education, engagement, and scholarship, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education centers are a vital part of institutional change related to equity and broadening participation. But their role is much more than simply increasing rates of participation. Instead, STEM education centers must challenge entrenched perceptions of the STEM disciplines, recreate programming to be more inclusive, and promote cultural change that expands access to and success in STEM. In this presentation, we explore a number of tensions that exist in STEM education, both formal and informal, and consider how tensions can become transformations. We raise questions that can be used to guide strategic planning for STEM centers, providing systemic processes through which change can be sustained and into which accountability can be integrated across stake holders.