Empowering Equitable Education in STEM

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Institute for Empowering Equitable Education in STEM

Welcome to the Institute for Empowering Equitable Education in STEM (E3-STEM), where our mission is to drive lasting change on the Rutgers University-Camden campus so that STEM undergraduate students from all backgrounds can excel in their respective majors, fields, and future careers.

“Change is never easy, but maintaining the status quo is not an option.”

– Levers for Change 2023, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Our Vision

To establish Rutgers University–Camden as a beacon of inclusive and sustainable STEM education, we aim to create a future where every student, regardless of their background, has access to the essential knowledge, skills, and opportunities to excel in STEM fields. Our goal is to nurture not just academic achievement but also to develop a vibrant community of lifelong learners, innovators, and responsible citizens who are equipped to tackle complex challenges and contribute to the betterment of society.

Our Mission

Our mission is to transform STEM education at Rutgers–Camden by:

  • Developing ‘Student-Ready’ Environments: Crafting learning spaces and curricula that are responsive to the diverse needs of our student body, ensuring that every learner feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
  • Equipping Faculty and Staff: Providing robust professional development opportunities in inclusive pedagogy, curriculum design, and leadership to create a cadre of educators and administrators who are champions for equity and excellence in STEM.
  • Empowering Students: Fostering a culture of empowerment through mentorship, research opportunities, and leadership development, enabling students to become confident, competent, and compassionate leaders in their chosen STEM fields.

Strategic Goals

  1. Cultivate Excellence in STEM Education:
    • Develop and implement innovative, research-based teaching methods and curricula.
    • Enhance learning outcomes and retention rates, particularly among underrepresented groups in STEM.
  2. Foster an Inclusive and Supportive Community:
    • Build and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
    • Establish networks of support, mentorship, and collaboration to uplift all members of the E3-STEM community.
  3. Promote Research and Scholarship:
    • Encourage and facilitate discipline-based education research to continually refine and improve STEM education practices.
    • Support faculty and students in disseminating their findings and innovations, contributing to the broader field of STEM education.
  4. Engage with Local and Global Communities:
    • Strengthen partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, industry, and academic institutions to enhance educational opportunities, real-world experiences, and career readiness.
    • Act as a catalyst for societal change by promoting STEM education as a tool for addressing global challenges and inequalities.

This program was supported in part by a grant to Rutgers University–Camden from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.