Diversity and inclusion are critical underpinnings to our evolving culture at Microsoft and powerful bridges to the marketplace. They can be determining factors in whether or not talented people come to work for us, and whether people buy our products. Through our investment in diverse partnerships on a broad range of opportunities, we continue to work to increase the pipeline of diverse talent, increase retention and match talent to job opportunities that are vital to our success in the future.This month, we are honored to feature the voices of local leaders who represent our commitment to diversity and use their drive to help the community in which they serve.
— Microsoft Chicago Staff
Science is more than a body of knowledge or a portfolio of skills. It’s a way of thinking and seeing the world that makes innovation possible. Science allows us to recognize our biggest challenges and create solutions.
Our future depends on encouraging creativity, innovation, collaboration and critical thinking in students. Just 10 years from now, today’s sixth-graders will be entering the workforce, and even sooner if they don’t pursue a four-year college degree. That’s not much time to help them grow, learn and prepare for a world that’s changing quickly.
Fundamentally, STEM is a set of tools, processes and ways of interpreting the world that allows us to ask the most poignant questions, challenge paradigms, test possibilities and create solutions. Personal, relevant, and high-quality experiences with STEM in childhood can be the spark needed to build a pathway into STEM. STEM literacy can move people from consumers to creators, from participants to providers.
The development of doers and game-changers happens not only in school, but in homes and communities and places like libraries and parks and museums. Youth are learning and developing all the time, so there are many opportunities to have an impact.
Historically, having a diverse group of people and perspectives can lead to the most innovative ideas and creative solutions. The current American workforce of scientists and engineers doesn’t mirror our national population. Women comprise half of the American population, and more than a third of Americans belong to a racial or ethnic minority group, but are highly underrepresented in most STEM fields. Participation of these groups can expand our ability to discover, invent and transform our future. We also need to create and sustain more inclusive environments for all youth in K-12 and higher education to ensure they are positioned to be not only present but also engaged and successful in pathways to STEM careers.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) is redefining the role museums play in science learning and achievement. Through our Center for the Advancement of Science Education, we’re extending the content of world-class exhibitions with programs that engage students, teachers, families and communities. One of the ways we do this is through the Museum’s annual Black Creativity program. This effort reaches more than 25,000 students, their teachers and families in underserved Chicago neighborhoods each year with a wide range of targeted, culturally-relevant science education programming designed to:
- Provide exposure for African-American youth to careers, educational pathways and other opportunities in STEM.
- Increase access to MSI and its resources to African-American students and families.
- Showcase African Americans and their contributions, past and current, to STEM fields.
The Black Creativity Innovation Studio – a technology-based DIY approach – is stocked with tactile materials and tools to encourage hands-on experimentation. The Juried Art Exhibition showcases creativity with more than 100 works from African-American artists across the nation, including youth. And special events like Jr. Science Cafes invite youth to be inspired by talking with working STEM professionals.
MSI is investing in our nation’s future. Together, let’s create stronger communities, a thriving workforce and innovative solutions for the world.
Learn more at www.msichicago.org/blackcreativity.
Rabiah Mayas, Ph.D. is the Director of Science and Integrated Strategies in the Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE) at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Rabiah’s primary role is to oversee several initiatives that span multiple departments and program areas within CASE: design and implementation of program evaluation and research, coordination of digital learning initiatives, development of public programming for youth and adults, and facilitation of the integration of cutting-edge scientific content throughout Museum programming.