Building STEM Faculty Capacity in Wyoming's Rural Areas
GrantID: 54595
Grant Funding Amount Low: $400,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $400,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Addressing Capacity Gaps in Wyoming’s STEM Faculty Landscape
Wyoming faces unique capacity gaps within its higher education institutions, particularly in the recruitment and retention of historically underrepresented faculty in STEM fields. The state's rurality presents significant challenges; with only about 579,000 residents spread across over 97,000 square miles, many educational institutions struggle to attract diverse talent. Additionally, Wyoming's higher education system consists of only a handful of institutions, which can lead to limited opportunities for professional growth and collaboration among faculty. According to recent data from the Wyoming Department of Education, less than 6% of STEM faculty come from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, starkly highlighting the urgent need for supportive initiatives aimed at increasing representation.
Local colleges and universities, while passionate about diversity, often face obstacles related to infrastructure and connectivity. Many institutions are situated in areas with limited access to advanced technology and transportation, making it difficult to attract candidates who may be unwilling to relocate to more isolated regions. The lack of mentorship and professional development opportunities further complicates the situation, leaving emerging faculty without the necessary support to succeed within their roles. Faculty members in these positions often report feelings of isolation and a lack of community, both critical components of a thriving academic career.
The Wyoming STEM Faculty Mentorship Initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing these capacity constraints. This program is designed to cultivate a network of mentorship specifically for underrepresented faculty in STEM disciplines, pairing emerging scholars with experienced educators who can offer guidance, resources, and professional development. By emphasizing collaborative learning and resource sharing, this initiative aims to create a stronger pipeline of diverse faculty who can fully engage with and contribute to the state's educational landscape.
By focusing on enhancing leadership skills, this initiative will draw upon established best practices in STEM education while catering to Wyoming’s unique needs. The program will also address the geographic isolation experienced by many faculty members by utilizing virtual collaboration tools to enable connection and mentorship opportunities, reducing the barriers that distance creates. By fostering a sense of community among STEM educators, the program aims to build lasting relationships that contribute to sustained support for faculty in Wyoming.
Who Should Apply in Wyoming
To be eligible for the Wyoming STEM Faculty Mentorship Initiative, participants must be individuals from historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields. This includes faculty members currently teaching at Wyoming’s institutions of higher education as well as prospective faculty who are seeking positions within the state. The program emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds that will contribute to a richer academic experience for students and the community.
The application process requires candidates to provide a statement detailing their experiences and challenges faced in the STEM academic landscape. This includes reflections on their teaching philosophy, professional development needs, and their vision for fostering diversity and inclusion within their institutions. Given Wyoming’s distinct context, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the unique needs of rural communities and a commitment to addressing these disparities through their work in academia.
Participants will be evaluated based on their potential to contribute to the STEM educational ecosystem in Wyoming. This includes consideration of their readiness to engage with mentorship opportunities and their willingness to collaborate with other faculty in the state. By participating in the initiative, individuals will be expected to take on an active role in mentoring others and contributing to the dialogue on best practices in STEM education.
Overall, the Wyoming STEM Faculty Mentorship Initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of the state’s academic institutions by fostering an environment that encourages diversity, collaboration, and academic success. By providing targeted support to underrepresented faculty, Wyoming can build a more inclusive and effective STEM education system that meets the needs of all its residents.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
