This is a request for a two-day TPC Conference that addresses the relationship between diversity and learning with an emphasis on preK-12 STEM. What is known and understood about issues of diversity and equity as they play out in a more global, technological and complex society remains relatively minute. The goal of the conference and the subsequent structure is to consider and empirically identify: (a) teaching strategies for pre-K-12 education which encourage females and under-represented minorities to pursue further STEM coursework; (b) best practices for recruiting females and minority students in STEM majors; (c) organizational policies and practices that create inclusive climates for diversity within STEM workplaces and professions; and (d) strategies for using technology in order to create opportunities for community development, especially in poor and minority communities.
