Passion to Persist at Bard College: A Project to Encourage Participation in the STEM Fields
For many, pursuing graduate study and careers in the STEM fields is far from easy. Women and people of color remain greatly underrepresented in STEM. Studies have suggested that because there are so few women and people of color who can serve as mentors and role models enrolled in STEM graduate programs, serving as faculty at research universities, and working in industry, students may not choose an academic path in STEM. Studies have also shown that that meeting with STEM professionals of their own gender and racial and ethnic backgrounds, participating in mentorship programs, and being exposed to activities that build a sense of belonging and accomplishment in STEM can encourage greater participation among underrepresented groups.
The Passion to Persist project was developed by Bard’s Equity and Inclusion Programs in partnership with STEM faculty. It is designed to inspire and support underrepresented students in the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing by providing individualized peer coaching, faculty mentoring, and cohort support. In launching Passion to Persist, the project leaders asked: What characteristics of a small liberal arts college could improve persistence and retention? By analyzing Bard’s strengths—small class size, innovative curriculum, personal attention, and strong academic support—a model of enriched peer and professional mentoring evolved to promote diversity among STEM majors.
Led by Equity and Inclusion Programs Assistant Director Kim Sargeant ’14 and Associate Dean Emily McLaughlin, each component of the project—supported by external funding and College resources—focuses on achieving success in STEM areas of study by developing critical skills in building resilience, persevering in the face of difficulty, learning from mistakes, managing time efficiently, and much more. All participants are matched with Upper College mentors who assist mentees with cultivating key skills for success.
Despite the social-distancing requirements of the past two semesters, the project has continued in a virtual format and will be expanded next semester to include events and workshops with Bard alumni/ae working or pursuing postgraduate study in STEM. Passion to Persist: Let's Talk about Careers in STEM will showcase various paths taken by Bard alumni/ae in these fields.
For more information about Passion to Persist, please contact the Equity and Inclusion Office at [email protected].
Post Date: 12-08-2020