Carmen Duarte The University of Arizona was awarded a $5 million federal grant to support more students — especially those who are Hispanic or from low-income households — studying science, technology, engineering and math careers.
"Inherent in this grant is our responsibility to address barriers students experience throughout our institutional structures and environment that lead to disparities in STEM graduation rates," Sierra-Cajas said. "Typically, only one plan is proposed by each STEM department, assuming that will fit the reality of all students. This disconnect contributes to a disparity in successful completion of STEM courses," she said."Not taking into account the lived realities of Latinx and low-income students can lead to students struggling academically and feeling like they do not belong as soon as they begin to struggle in courses.
The grant will also allow more faculty members to participate in the university's Culturally Responsive Curriculum Development Institute, a weeklong summer program that supports participants in implementing more inclusive teaching and learning practices in their courses. The institute helps faculty members to redesign their courses incorporating aspects of students' cultural backgrounds into the course curriculum.