Building Diversity with CRP
STEM Seminar uses culturally responsive practices to engage and retain students including: an early assessment of student cultural currency and prior experiences with STEM (formal or informal); providing examples of case studies that highlight the success of individuals from diverse backgrounds; providing readings, TED talks, videos, and other multimedia for discussion from successful STEM professionals from a variety of underrepresented backgrounds; obtaining student feedback on topics to be discussed to encourage student buy-in to the seminar; discussing STEM social justice issues, gender issues, etc.; and creating assignments that focus on public speaking, writing, and mathematics; scaffolding students to be successful in these important career skills in a small supportive environment.