ABOUT

THE OPPORTUNITY

A diverse, inclusive and equitable STEMM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, & Medicine - ecosystem is…

Essential to the scientific enterprise: A lack of diversity in our STEMM workforce and pipeline weakens American innovation and scientific advancement. Complex problems require multifaceted, creative and innovative solutions, which are best addressed with diverse teams bringing distinct perspectives to achieve scientific excellence. 

Critical for U.S. economic growth and competitiveness: Driving greater equity in STEMM is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do as America’s diverse talent pool is one of our nation’s strongest economic and globally competitive advantages. On an increasingly competitive global stage, the need to create opportunities for scientists in training is crucial to maintaining U.S. innovation and economic growth. To maintain competitiveness, we must collectively reimagine and transform the existing STEMM ecosystem to better support the aspirations of untapped talent from all corners of this country.

Necessary for building a just society and better individual lives: STEMM jobs are among the most lucrative opportunities at all skill levels, often averaging six figure salaries or more, and STEMM skills continue to grow in relevance across a range of job categories, but STEMM fields have long locked out underrepresented communities. 

THE SOLUTION

STEMM OPPORTUNITY ALLIANCE

In December 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Doris Duke Foundation announced the launch of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance during the inaugural White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence.

In 2023, SOA co-constructed the first-ever National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence with input from more than 1,500 community members through 12 convenings across the nation and five virtual town hall sessions. The final strategy will be unveiled at a White House Summit in 2024, which will kick off the implementation phase with hundreds of cross-sector partners. 

SOA GOALS

SOA is addressing key areas to attain fundamental, systemic change and ensure the diversity that is necessary for the increased performance and innovative ideas that are needed to keep the United States competitive.

  • STEMM fields have long locked out underrepresented communities. We must ensure that everyone has the same access to education and career advancement opportunities.

  • We must elevate STEMM equity as a national priority and work together to create systemic change and close the opportunity gap by 2050.

  • We can solve complex problems and tackle common challenges by bringing new perspectives from more diverse teams.

  • We must build a workforce that includes historically underrepresented communities to sustain innovation and economic growth.

  • We must invest in building out the capacity of organizations – such as schools, companies, and government – to have equitable processes and policies that can be scaled to facilitate a sustainable, long-term shift in the STEMM ecosystem.

The U.S. has a history of leading in global innovation, and federal legislation from the past few years coupled with policies under consideration will directly impact the nation’s ability to innovate, drive scientific advancements and lead the world in manufacturing. If done right, these policies supported by adequate funding could drive millions of new STEMM jobs across the country and provide a foundation for economic growth and prosperity for generations to come. Promising past efforts to expand and diversify the workforce needed to manage these opportunities have failed to catch on at-scale, often hindered by fragmentation, limited visibility, or lack of accountability. 

WHY NOW

ADVISORY COUNCIL

The STEMM Opportunity Alliance, led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), was co-founded with the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF). The SOA team is supported by communications partner Global Strategy Group and strategic partner Freedman Consulting, LLC. 

MEET THE TEAM

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is dedicated to advancing science, engineering, and innovation for the benefit of all. With individual members in more than 91 countries across the globe, AAAS is one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and a nonprofit publisher of cutting-edge research through the Science family of journals.  

As one of the leading voices for the global scientific community, AAAS spearheads initiatives in science policy, international cooperation and diplomacy, STEMM education and more. AAAS strives to advance scientific excellence and achievement, foster equity and inclusion for scientific excellence, build trust among scientists and communities, and catalyze progress where science meets policy. SOA’s mission aligns with one of the organization’s main strategic pillars, which is to foster the diverse, equitable, open, and inclusive scientific enterprise that is essential for scientific excellence.