Expanding Boundaries International at the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence

On May 1st, 2024, the White House hosted an extraordinary event—the Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence: Propelling Progress and Prosperity by 2050. Co-hosted by the STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, this summit underscored the Biden Administration’s commitment to fostering equity and inclusivity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM).

A Historic Gathering for a Common Goal

The White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence is part of a broader strategy launched in December 2022 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in collaboration with the Doris Duke Foundation and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The goal? To create a strategic plan that expands opportunities in STEMM fields and reflects the diversity of our nation. The SOA initiative aims to introduce 10 million new STEMM professionals into the U.S. workforce by 2050, ensuring that the sector thrives through diverse and inclusive participation.

President Biden kicked off the summit with an inspiring message: “Our goal is simple yet profound—to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed in STEMM fields. The future of America depends on it.”

Why This Matters

STEMM fields drive innovation and economic growth, but they must be accessible to everyone. The summit highlighted five key pillars essential for building a diverse and inclusive workforce: Exposure, Inspiration, Discovery, Innovation, and Opportunity.

• Exposure: Sparking curiosity in children early on to bring more diverse talent into STEMM.
• Inspiration: Developing skilled and diverse educators who can inspire students.
• Discovery: Creating opportunities for all in higher education to gain essential skills and knowledge.
• Innovation: Leveraging diverse minds in research and development.
• Opportunity: Ensuring all workers have the chance to thrive in STEMM careers.

Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Director for Science and Society at the White House, emphasized, “Innovation thrives when diverse minds come together. This summit is a critical step in ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table.”

The importance of this initiative extends beyond national borders. A diversified STEMM workforce can address global challenges more effectively by bringing varied perspectives and solutions to the forefront. Equity in education and professional opportunities creates a ripple effect, fostering socio-economic development worldwide.

Expanding Boundaries International’s Role

Expanding Boundaries International (EBI) is honored to be a partner in the STEMM SOA initiative. Our mission is to empower future generations with equitable access to cross-cultural and technological education through STEAM activities and study abroad opportunities. Leticia Nortey, founder and Executive Director of EBI, attended the summit and shared her enthusiasm: “Being part of this summit is crucial for us. It’s a testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing equitable access to technological education.”

EBI engages students and educators from Baltimore, Maryland; Westminster, Maryland; Tema, Accra, Ghana; and Ejura, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Our programs, including STEAM Exchange and the Brenda Brown Passport Scholarship, are designed to foster skillful, empathetic, and respectful global citizenship.

Partnering with Leaders

By standing alongside the Biden Administration and esteemed institutions, EBI reaffirms its dedication to promoting STEMM education. Our collaboration aims to break down barriers and open doors for underrepresented communities, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to scientific and technological advancements.

“We are dedicated to fostering a skillful, empathetic, and respectful global citizenship through our programs,” said Leticia Nortey.

How You Can Participate

We invite everyone to join us in this transformative journey towards greater STEMM equity and inclusivity. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Volunteer: Become a mentor or STEAM instructor to help shape the next generation of STEMM leaders.
• Donate: Sponsor a student by contributing to our Passport Funds, enabling them to explore international study opportunities.
• Spread the Word: Share our mission and programs within your networks to increase awareness and participation.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary on October 19th, 2024, we look forward to continuing our work alongside the Biden Administration and our partners in making a lasting impact on STEMM equity and excellence.

For more information or to get involved, visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter. Together, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to succeed in STEMM fields.

Keynote Highlights

The summit featured several influential speakers who shared their vision and commitment to STEMM equity:

• Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Director for Science and Society at the White House, said, “Diversity is a catalyst for innovation. By ensuring equity in STEMM, we pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries.”
• Kamau Bobb, Google’s Global Lead for Diversity Strategy and Research, emphasized, “Creating pathways for all students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for our nation’s progress.”
• Dr. John Holdren, former Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, remarked, “The future of STEMM hinges on our ability to harness the talents of individuals from all backgrounds. This summit is a step towards achieving that future.”

These powerful messages underscore the collective commitment to transforming the STEMM landscape. By working together, we can create an environment where innovation knows no bounds and opportunities are limitless.