DiversifySTEM 101

By: The Breaking Barriers Team

With contributions from: David Thomson, Former CEO OACETT

We’ll answer

• What is DiversifySTEM?
• What can it do for me?
• Why microlearning?

Introducing, DiversifySTEM: a new learning app for employers to deliver fun and interactive microlessons that explore issues of diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)

It is well known that the most innovative and competitive companies have diverse workforces. The challenge is attracting and retaining top talent.

According to OSPE’s Breaking Barriers research report that compiled 3000 survey responses Canada-wide, we know that:

• 1 in 2 women in STEM careers feel disrespected by managers, co-workers, and clients.
• 1 in 3 experience pay inequity and have difficulty balancing work, family, and community.
• 1 in 4 women in STEM careers are not fully using their STEM skills.
• 1 in 4 face discrimination, harassment, or bullying at work in STEM.

Is it any wonder that companies are having difficulty in attracting diverse talent to join their teams? We think not.

What we heard from STEM employers is that they want to fix this but have no time to do the research and training. Are you in the same boat?

DiversifySTEM is the answer! Educational research shows that people are more receptive to learning and retain more information when it is offered in small chunks. Adult learners also want to be in control of their own pace and want flexibility when learning. The solution? Microlearning!

With fun, interesting, research-based courses – each under 5 minutes long – this tool is designed for time-crunched STEM employers who understand the nature of the problem and want practical tips to change the diversity and inclusion landscape in their organizations. Our short, informative learning opportunities give you advice that can be put into action right away.

To attract, retain, and advance women and members of underrepresented groups in STEM careers, companies need to take enact specific, research-based activating actions. Practically presented throughout DiversifySTEM courses, these actions can be a catalyst for real change, and ultimately give your organization a competitive edge. Score!

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) was the lead partner for OSPE’s Breaking Barriers project. Here is why OACETT CEO Cheryl Farrow supports and promotes DiversifySTEM: “Diversity in our membership and the profession at large is critical to achieving full potential in terms of excellence and innovation. Solving complex problems requires diverse perspectives, and OACETT fully supports efforts to reduce barriers and provide an inclusive environment and platform for women considering careers in engineering technology.”

Check out some of the awesome features of the DiversifySTEM app!

Bite-sized bits of information offered in a quick, card-stack style, with easy navigation, free of stressful assessments. They are packed with easy one-tap interactions that leave you feeling just a little more enlightened and ready to take action!

Browse or search the microlessons to find quick tips and activating actions that are applicable to your immediate needs.

Share your favourite cards using social media or save them for quick reference later on using the pin feature.

Get your game on! DiversifySTEM rewards you for completing lessons so feel free to binge-learn and collect all of the stars to show off to your friends… or, other passionately progressive STEM leaders… whichever.

Join the discussion forum with other STEM professionals and engage in conversations on how you can move the needle on diversity and inclusion in your organization!

We are adding new lessons all the time so sign up to receive notifications when a fresh one arrives.

We don’t mean to toot our own horn, but get a load of what our users have said about DiversifySTEM:

“Easy to use, great content. Great tool to compliment onboarding and company diversity training.”

“This app is a great balance between a tool and a training module.”

“I like that the education component is short and digestible with action-oriented tips.”

Getting started couldn’t be easier. Here’s what you need to do:

Download the free DiversifySTEM app from Google Play or iTunes.

OR

Sign-up on our website to keep track of your learning, be notified when new lessons are added, and join the community of users who use our online discussion boards for more stimulating and interactive fun!

Even more fun options are on the horizon: contests and challenges, prizes and promos. So, what are you waiting for? Download the app and sign-up now!

Key Takeaways

Remember:

The DiverifySTEM app will give you access to fun and informative microlessons of gender diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Companies with inclusive work environments will attract the best talent and gain a competitive edge.
Each time you use DiversifySTEM you will learn the activating actions to create real change.
Every lesson is under five minutes so you can do them anytime, anywhere.