Educators say so. Advocates say so. On Oct. 12, the U.S. Department of Education said so.
The Department of Ed made a huge announcement by launching “YOU Belong in STEM,” an initiative “to galvanize the broad STEM education ecosystem to implement and scale equitable and high-quality STEM education for all young people from Pre-K to higher education.”
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten spoke about the initiative at the recent STEMconnector and Million Women Mentors Summit in Washington, D.C.
“With the YOU Belong in STEM initiative, we are helping districts and schools redesign systems and learning spaces to ensure students get the well-rounded education they need,” she said. “We are also challenging narratives about who belongs in STEM learning and careers that, over generations, left out millions of girls and young women, students of color, students living in poverty, Native American and Alaska Native students, students with disabilities, and other marginalized students.
“Every student, no matter their background or zip code, can meet and exceed their unique potential to learn and thrive in STEM education.”
YOU Belong in STEM will improve student outcomes by promoting positive STEM learning and development conditions. Research shows a direct correlation between a sense of belonging in the classroom and a student’s focus and academic content retention. Through the new initiative, the Department seeks to show teachers and students that they have a place in the STEM field and in the pathways to long-term success that STEM offers in a 21st-century economy.
In the coming weeks, the Department will provide guidance and other technical assistance to elevate STEM teaching and learning, convene STEM partners and thought leaders, elevate bright spots and evidenced-based practices that engender belonging in STEM, and partner with public and private entities to leverage our best efforts and reach.
Email the Department of Ed at STEM@ed.gov to get involved.
