University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Women in STEM program received the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. UW-Platteville will be featured, along with 78 other recipients, in the September 2021 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research and successful programs and initiatives.
“Providing opportunities for all students to succeed in STEM programs is part and parcel to UW-Platteville’s mission,” said Dr. Tammy Evetovich, provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at UW-Platteville. “As an access institution, we are committed to developing students from diverse backgrounds and breaking down barriers to ensure relevant and timely degrees. For years, we have provided and grown support for women and other underrepresented groups in STEM. This has included educational outreach with our colleagues in K-12 and partnering with corporate leaders for co-ops, internships and job placement so that our students are highly prepared for the workforce. We are proud to receive recognition for our efforts in this area and look forward to continuing to serve our stakeholders.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected UW-Platteville’s Women in STEM program because of its strong commitment to fostering a supportive environment where women pursuing STEM degrees thrive. UW-Platteville’s longstanding, nationally-recognized Women in Engineering, Mathematics and Science program recently expanded to become the Women in STEM program, allowing for a greater impact on women students across campus. This expansion encompasses additional majors, including construction management, industrial technology management, agriculture, geography, forensic investigation and more. The Women in STEM program informs and engages students, parents and educators on issues related to gender diversity in the STEM fields in order to create a more diverse, competitive and balanced workforce. The program also builds community through comprehensive support programs, including Women in STEM Living Learning Communities, a Women in STEM Mentor Center, and both peer and professional mentor programs. The retention rate of women in engineering is among the highest on campus, with a five-year average of 92% from first-to-second year.
“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
A call for nominations for this award was announced in April 2021.
For more information about the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.