Advancing Diverse Talent in STEM
Challege
To inspire, engage, and develop a diverse next generation science and technology workforce through K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.
Actions
USRA expanded STEM education activities with the acquisition of STEMaction Inc. and the development of the USRA STEMaction Center. With this expansion, USRA increased its impact through events and activities for youth and their families.
In 2017, the USRA STEMaction Center hosted an ACT test preparation program for underserved students from the Howard County Public School System. Eleven minority high school juniors participated in a 15- week Saturday program held at USRA headquarters. Following the program, participants scores increased by an average of three points. Overall, program participants on average scored five points higher than
national averages and four points higher than Maryland averages.
The USRA STEMaction Center supp01ts additional STEM programs and events, including the Maryland Tech Invitational and FIRST's (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) progression ofK-12 robotics programs.
Outcomes
USRA will continue to support and promote diversity and inclusion in the areas of education and training through the STEMaction Center, while ensuring that underserved youth in the area have an opportunity to pursue their passion in these fields through higher education and opportunities.
Quote
USRA is committed to growing its role as an innovation hub hosting an expanding array of inspirational and accessible STEM workforce development programs for a diverse community. As part of this, we recognize that there is sometimes a need to 'level the playing field' to ensure equal opportunity and foster a robust technical workforce for our future.