Students of color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are underrepresented at colleges and universities around the country. At the same time, many STEM-related industries currently face or will face growing shortages of qualified workers. Encouraging students of color to pursue careers in STEM is critical to the future of the nation’s economy.
Indiana University’s work to improve the college trajectory for underrepresented students is an important and vital part of its mission to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus. To be honored with INSIGHT Into Diversity’s 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award is further affirmation of this commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“We are honored to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion,” says David Daleke, vice provost for graduate education and health sciences and associate dean of The University Graduate School. “As STEM careers continue to be important to the economic vitality of the nation’s workforce, so too is the need to support the persistence of IU STEM students who identify as students of color,” notes Daleke.
The 2020 INSIGHT Into Diversity award underscores the work of Indiana University’s Graduate School and its Getting You Into Indiana University (GU2IU) recruitment program. Designed for prospective Ph.D. and M.F.A. applicants from populations underrepresented in higher education, GU2IU provides them an opportunity to visit Indiana University before applying to graduate study.
Selected GU2IU participants learn more about the school’s doctoral and M.F.A. programs, meet with faculty and current graduate students, and learn more about Indiana University’s admissions process and graduate school funding options.
“The Getting You Into IU program is custom designed for each participant,” says Bianca D. Evans-Donaldson, Ph.D., director of the effort. “We want students to have a firsthand experience—and provide an up-close opportunity that answers questions about the path to graduate school.”
Constructed as a three-day event held on IU’s Bloomington campus, GU2IU is an all-expense-paid trip for selected applicants, including airfare, lodging, and meals. In addition to learning more about IU’s Ph.D. and M.F.A. programs, participants visit highly ranked programs and meet with leading faculty in their area of interest. Participants also network with current graduate students, tour campus, relevant laboratories and research centers, and attend workshops on strategies for submitting a competitive application and finding additional resources to support your graduate career.
“As a public institution, our mission is to create new knowledge, respond to both local and national challenges, and prepare students to thrive in a globally connected society. Diversity and inclusion are core to that mission,” concludes Evans-Donaldson. “And the Getting You into IU program is an integral part of this process.”