Indianapolis — The IU Indianapolis School of Science’s Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences recently received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, which honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Winners were selected based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs.
“Within our department we’ve been inspired by each other's creativity and commitment to inclusivity and we are grateful that the work we’ve done is being recognized and celebrated as inspiring to others in STEM,” Kathy Licht, chair of the department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, said.
Indiana University Indianapolis will be featured, along with 82 other recipients, in the September 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
"We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students," Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine, said. "We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond."
In addition to the Inspiring Programs in STEM award, the department was recently recognized for it’s diversity efforts by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), who named it one of two new partner institutions for the AGU’s Bridge Program, which is designed to increase representation of historically marginalized students in graduate geoscience education. Students within an AGU partnered program can utilize a free, single-use application for graduate school at any of the 51 partner departments and have special access to mentoring programs, networking opportunities, events and resources.
For more information about the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and Insight Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.