This report is part of a project to address the underrepresentation of women
faculty of color in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) led
by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). It summarizes highlights
from a convening held in May 2013 that brought together nearly 50 experts,
including professors, academic administrators, and representatives of
government, professional societies, the corporate sector, and women’s
organizations. It addresses the barriers that make it difficult for women faculty of
color to advance in STEM fields, key programmatic and policy shifts that would
promote their success, and strategies for implementing promising changes and
taking them to scale. The convening and report are part of IWPR’s research on
education and training, which includes early care and education, girls’
experiences in the K-12 system, postsecondary attainment, and high-quality
workforce development opportunities for STEM and other careers. IWPR’s recent
research in this area includes a profile of programs at community colleges
designed to engage women in STEM fields, as well as reports exploring
pedagogical methods to increase women’s participation in engineering.