Moving the Needle, Raising Consciousness: The Science and Practice of Broadening Participation

Abstract

Research foundations for broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and the workforce appear in several different strains of social science research. The science of broadening participation (SoBP) is necessary to inform a comprehensive understanding of what the pertinent issues are, why they occur, and how various organizations—in academia, business, and government—are creating pathways toward more diverse, inclusive, and productive entities. Inspired by and building upon the 2016 Symposium on the Science of Broadening Participation, this special issue is a compendium of articles that are representative of the various topics that formed the core of the discussions that took place and of recommendations that ensued from them. Focused on questions linked to increasing the participation and inclusion of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in STEM fields, matters related to frameworks, measurement, education, and the workforce were explored with the aim of SoBP delineation and the determination of research-based approaches for policy development and implementation. Moreover, a set of challenges is presented for scholars, analysts, and other stakeholders to pursue in furthering and supporting SoBP goals.