The overall purpose of the Jackson State University ADVANCE IT project is to enhance the work climate for women faculty in the STEM disciplines. To that end, the project proposes to provide professional development to faculty and administrators, develop a network of research and career mentors for women STEM faculty, review university policies and practices and foster a climate of gender inclusion. This project is particularly unique in that if focuses on women faculty at our nation?s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Intellectual Merit. The intellectual merit and novelty of this project lies in the institution type and in the approaches to be initiated toward gender equity, particularly because there exists a dearth of information and literature that focuses on women in the STEM disciplines at historically Black institutions. The JSU ADVANCE IT project will inform the community about institutional transformation at this institution type, as well as promote an understanding of gender issues and stereotypes as they are uniquely related to women of color.
Broader Impact. The Jackson State University ADVANCE IT project will have significant impact on a cadre of women STEM faculty who have been underserved and underrepresented in the STEM disciplines. Moreover, this project will provide a blueprint for implementing strategies on any campus for women of color. Project findings will be disseminated largely through a project website and through other traditional means, with special emphasis on other institutions in EPSCoR states.
