Diversity Strategic Plan
A focus on access, integration, & sustainment
CHARM is committed to broadening participation of women and underrepresented groups in materials science and STEM. We strive to integrate diversity and inclusion in all elements of our education, outreach, and human resources development to cultivate a more inclusive materials community. To achieve this goal, we seek to address barriers that often have systematically inhibited full participation by all, with the guiding principles of access, integration, and sustainment.
Access
CHARM engages underrepresented groups through our layered approach to education and outreach. Every program is viewed through this lens to provide access to opportunities that overcome barriers.
Internal efforts:
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- Diversity task force engaging stakeholders across UD on common goals and collaborative efforts
- Education seed that focuses on bolstering STEM education for underserved students
- COE Lending Library collaboration to expand the reach of institutional resources
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- Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
- HighRise: materials science education summer program for students from TeenSHARP
- FORGES: STEM experiential summer program for HS students
- Community engagement events, such as Meet a Scientist
Integration
Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into Center activities by ensuring these ideals prevail through all of our activities.
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- Cross-departmental outreach collaborations
- Diversity- and culturally-aware mentorship training
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- PREM partnership, MRSEC Fellows
- TeenSHARP partnership and collaborations
- NSF Division of Graduate Education workshop for REU and HS summer participants
Sustainment
Through access and engagement, we endeavor to provide everyone a seat at the table, where all voices are heard, and all participants can make meaningful contributions.
Internal efforts:
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- Building an inclusive research community
- MRSEC networking events
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- Maintaining relationships with Center alumni and program participants
- Creating a pipeline to UD undergrad and grad programs for past summer program participants
