Raising Awareness for Equitable and Inclusive STEM Opportunities

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Equity and Social Justice Roundtable

Abstract

Historically marginalized communities are statistically underrepresented in STEM fields. A shift in these representations is needed across all STEM fields to expand diversity. A workshop offered through the collaboration of a local Science Centre, a STEM organization, and a local University raises awareness of the gender and racialized gap, or “leaking STEM pipeline”. The findings conclude i) a need for STEM workshops for learning equity and inclusion, ii) lack of awareness surrounding marginalization and privilege in STEM fields, and iii) explores the likelihood of minority persons to qualify to work in STEM fields. A dialogue within the current political context of systemic racism, which is a focus across the globe and in this study, will be under review.

Authors

• Sheliza Ibrahim, University of Toronto Mississauga

• Azadeh Shirzadi, Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation