Who We Are
Four UCSB campus entities, the Center for Equitable Environmental Sciences (CEES), DEI Office, Office of Teaching & Learning (OTL), Mellichamp Racial Environmental Justice Chairs, and SBCC’s Raíces Faculty Institute have partnered on this effort with ESCALA, a leading provider of STEM faculty professional development for HSIs, to better serve Latiné and other minoritized students in STEM.
What We Do
The STEM Equity Institute provides UCSB and SBCC STEM faculty with the opportunity to discuss and learn about effective methods for reducing equity gaps for Latiné and other minoritized students, including culturally responsive approaches to fostering STEM identity and sense of belonging within their courses.
Learning Objectives
Faculty will come away with data analysis tools to assess student learning in their courses and will have access to an ongoing supportive community where they can continue to explore curricular tools and test ideas with their peers. Additionally, participants will gain insights into how STEM faculty have successfully modified their course materials to make content more engaging and relevant to diverse student populations. Through evidence-based strategies, faculty will learn how to integrate real-world applications, culturally responsive teaching practices, and active learning techniques to enhance student engagement and persistence in STEM fields.
Background
In 2015, UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) was federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). As a national leader in fostering educational equity, our mission is to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where Latiné and historically marginalized students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Through collaborative efforts across campus, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, and equipped to pursue their aspirations.
Join Now!
Join this summer’s program to learn about data-supported approaches to improving STEM for ALL students!
How to Participate
How much does it cost?
Participation is completely free! Participation is fully subsidized by the Institute partners and includes:
- ESCALA Educational Services’ STEM X™ course ($2,000 value): This highly regarded research-based course is delivered by STEM faculty teaching in HSIs across the country. The course entails six learning modules covering a wide range of inclusive teaching methods focused on engaging Latiné and historically marginalized students. Four modules are completed in a summer institute week that you attend on Zoom. The other two modules are completed asynchronously in July and August.
- $1,500 Faculty research/professional development funds: Faculty who complete the program receive research/professional development funds as a recognition of the time and effort they put into this program.
- Two catered lunches at in-person Welcome and Closing sessions.
Who is welcome to apply?
- All faculty teaching STEM courses.
- Those teaching large, introductory courses are highly encouraged to apply.
- This program follows a cohort-based model - we will be pairing participants by STEM discipline. Applying as a pair of faculty from a department is encouraged. (Please apply separately).
Full Program Description and Dates
- In-person Welcome Lunch Session at SBCC
- 12:00 - 2:00 PM on Friday, August 1st
- In-person Closing Lunch Session at UCSB
- 12:00 - 2:00 PM on Friday, August 15th
- Optional in-person coffee discussions throughout the program
- Optional UCSB Faculty-led Environmental Justice (EJ) Teaching workshops for faculty interested in incorporating EJ case studies in lectures and activities
- All remaining program components are asynchronous and can be completed at your convenience.
Pre-work - Asynchronous (Completed: Anytime between before Aug 5th):
- Independent pre-work: asynchronous modules (up to 4 hours)
Live Course - Synchronous (Tues Aug 5th - Fri Aug 8th):
- Four Live Zoom Sessions Aug. 5th - 8th (8 hours)
- Choose Morning Cohort: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
OR - Choose Afternoon Cohort: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
- Choose Morning Cohort: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Post-work - Asynchronous (Completed: Anytime before Aug 22nd):
- Independent post-work: asynchronous modules and project (up to 4 hours)
How to apply
- Application deadline: May 1st 11:59 PM
- Application form here
Who We Are
Center for Equitable Environmental Sciences (CEES) - Yassi Eskandari
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Veronica Fematt
Office of Teaching & Learning (OTL) - Nate Emery
Mellichamp Racial Environmental Justice Chairs - Krystal Onyekwuluje
Raíces Faculty Institute - Melissa Menendez
ESCALA Educational Service
Questions? Contact Us
Nate Emery (nemery@ucsb.edu)