Accelerating and scaling mentoring strategies to build infrastructure that supports underrepresented groups in STEM

TL;DR

This paper discusses systemic mentorship strategies and practices to enhance inclusion and representation of underrepresented groups in STEM, emphasizing training, evidence-based tools, and institutional culture change.

Contribution

It provides a summary of research-based mentorship practices and advocates for systemic, institutional-level mentorship culture to support underrepresented individuals in STEM.

Findings

Mentorship improves retention and inclusion in STEM.

Training mentors on cross-cultural and disciplinary aspects is effective.

Institutional mentorship culture is crucial for sustained impact.

Abstract

The vision of 2030STEM is to address systemic barriers in institutional structures and funding mechanisms required to achieve full inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and accelerate leadership pathways for individuals from underrepresented populations across STEM sectors. 2030STEM takes a systems-level approach to create a community of practice that affirms diverse cultural identities in STEM. Accelerated systemic change is needed to achieve parity and representation in the STEM workforce, and mentorship - due to its impact on retaining talent - is crucial to ensure those underrepresented in STEM feel that they belong and can thrive. To support the studies and careers of those underrepresented in STEM, we must increase access to mentors who have received adequate training on both the discipline of mentorship in addition to cross-cultural mentoring, use evidence-based mentorship tools to improve the outcomes of mentor/mentee relationships, and create a persistent culture of mentorship at the institutional versus individual level. This white paper provides a summary of research-based mentorship practices that have worked at improving the experience in STEM for underrepresented groups. This is the second in a series of white papers based on 2030STEM Salons that bring together innovative thinkers invested in creating a better STEM world for all. Our first salon focused on the power of social media campaigns like the #XinSTEM initiatives, to accelerate change towards inclusion and leadership by underrepresented communities in STEM. Read our first white paper entitled #Change: How Social Media is Accelerating STEM Inclusion for more information.