Engagement in Practice: Increasing the Researcher/Inclusion Staff Collaboration Culture for Inspiration of Diverse Learners in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Through the establishment of an Outreach, Admissions, Scholarship and Inclusion Services (OASIS) team, the University of Iowa College of Engineering has greatly expanded the activities of faculty, staff and students to benefit the broader community. A key activity of the OASIS group is the connection of researchers, student organizations and academic programs, with programs that engage special populations to expand the reach of the academic community and to advance the broader impacts of research for the benefit of society. Partnerships with institutional programs such as Upward Bound, regional community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and the municipal partnerships with corporations and school districts have enabled innovative programs. Activities across these partnerships increased 200% over a period of three years. Program assessments align with results reported by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, which has revealed increased STEM learning and STEM interest among a variety of K-12 participants. Efforts to continue the collaboration culture of researchers, diversity professionals, corporations and community organizations continue. The result has been a community of scholars willing to “share their STEM stories” with diverse groups. These outreach and community engagement activities provide “cradle to career” service to students and their mentors; training for teachers who implement new practices in K-12 classes, and access to educational and career opportunities for learners across the state.