Promoting equity and inclusion with student-driven initiatives

Area of Science:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields.

Background:

• Representation is critical for cultivating inclusive environments within STEMM.
• Existing initiatives often lack student-driven approaches to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the foundational steps and lessons learned in establishing a student-driven initiative focused on EDI in STEMM.
• To provide a practical guide for students aiming to create similar initiatives at their institutions.

Main Methods:

• The development of STEMM Diversity, a student-led organization at McGill University.
• Qualitative analysis of the challenges and successes encountered during the initiative's formation and early operation.

Main Results:

• Successful establishment of STEMM Diversity through dedicated student effort.
• Identification of key strategies for overcoming common obstacles in student-led program development.

Conclusions:

• Student-driven initiatives are effective mechanisms for advancing EDI in STEMM.
• The experiences of STEMM Diversity offer a replicable model for other institutions seeking to enhance diversity and inclusion.