Increasing STEM Participation Among Students Historically Underrepresented in STEM Fields | RTI Webinar
Date
Location
United States
Creating a More Equitable STEM Workforce
The ability to achieve STEM workforce diversity goals in the U.S. is a function of the academic pipeline. One of the most important predictors of success in STEM careers and higher education is pre-college academic preparation for all students. However, reaching historically underrepresented students in STEM fields continues to be a challenge.
The question is how to engage and retain students of color, low-income students, and first-generation college students in high-quality STEM education given inequities that exist across K-12 education systems. This RTI STEM equity webinar offers examples from two recent efforts: a three-year program to support equitable access to high-quality STEM educational opportunities through project-based learning and STEM enrichment in Cumberland County, North Carolina (STARward STEM) and the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC), a partnership between academia, industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government focused on increasing STEM literacy and developing a diverse and agile workforce.
Frank McKay, Education Consultant, RTI International
Frank McKay has dedicated his career to designing and improving educational experiences for students and educators. As an expert in professional learning, Mr. McKay leads the design and facilitation of professional development for K-12 educators on topics ranging from inquiry and project-based learning to instructional leadership.
Rebecca Stanley, Education Consultant, RTI International
Rebecca Stanley has 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, professional development creator, and instructional coach. As consortium chair of DSEC, she creates strategic partnerships to bring STEM opportunities to historically underrepresented K-20 students across the nation.
Moderator: Jennifer Ozawa, Senior Economist, Innovation and Economic Development, RTI International
Jennifer Ozawa brings 20 years of experience leading projects at the intersection of research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Since joining RTI in 2019, Ms. Ozawa has applied experience using economic, workforce, research and development (R&D), early-stage financing, and venture capital data to identify research and industry strengths and weaknesses to develop strategies for achieving higher rates of economic activity, competitiveness, and growth. She has led evaluations of innovation and R&D programs, assessed innovation and startup ecosystems, developed industry sector and regional economic development strategies, and designed institutional strategies for a diverse portfolio of domestic and international clients.
Meet the Discussants
Louie Lopez
Louie Lopez is the Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense in Research and Engineering's Defense Laboratories and Personnel. He is responsible for the management and execution of the Department of Defense (DoD) K through Graduate STEM efforts under the National Defense Education Program (NDEP). He develops, coordinates, and executes DoD STEM education, outreach, and workforce development projects, including the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) and other initiatives aligned with DoD and Federal STEM Strategic plans.
Mellotta Hill
Mellotta Hill is a lifelong education leader who holds a master’s in School Administration and a doctorate in Education Leadership from Fayetteville State University. As a former principal, Mellotta is passionate about creating high-quality learning experiences for students that lead to strong academic outcomes and develop them as lifelong learners. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent for K-12 Instructional Programs for Cumberland County Schools. She is especially dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to education programs that address core academic priorities while expanding opportunities to broaden their horizons and pursue their interests.
