SOA EVENTS
To reach the goal of achieving equity in STEMM, SOA is committed to programming that allows us to engage directly with our partners and the communities we serve collectively. Continue below to see both upcoming and past events that provide key forums for planning and implementing our national strategy for equity and excellence.
Past Events
2024 STEMM Opportunity Alliance Town Hall
Date: October 18, 2024
Location: Online event
Capacity: 140 participants
Details: The SOA Town Hall provided a space to build a sense of community and collaborative possibility among Partners. Invited speakers helped to root the Alliance in the culture and strategy of collective impact and to build excitement for engaging in Action Teams.
We were joined by:
AAAS CEO, Sudip Parikh
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate STEM Engagement Embed, Susan Poland
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs CEO Drew Glassford
Collective Impact Forum Sr. Advisor, Paul Schmitz
Their remarks set the stage for our Anchor Partners to launch Action Teams for each Pillar area in the National Strategy. In small breakout discussions, Partners investigated the approaches and steps built into the National Strategy, and shared “asks” and “offers” related to their SOA goals which will inform the work of each Action Team moving forward.
2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence: Propelling Progress and Prosperity by 2050
Date: May 1, 2024
Location: The Ronald Reagan Building and The White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Capacity: 350 guests
Details:
The 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence: Propelling Progress and Prosperity by 2050 was co-hosted by the White House Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP) and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance on May 1st in Washington, D.C. We gathered with leaders across the country as we took a pivotal shift toward aligned actions and implementation to achieve a more equitable and excellent STEMM enterprise.
The plenary took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building from 9:00 to 11:45 am, with a live-stream watch party at the nearby Ronald Reagan Building. A networking lunch, Pillar-focused breakout sessions, and a reception followed at the Ronald Reagan Building.
Resources
View of the Indian Treaty Room in the White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building during a panel discussion at the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence co-hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Technology Policy and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance. Photo credit: AAAS
Arati Prabhakar, Director of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, speaks at the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence co-hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance. Photo Credit: AAAS
Sudip Parikh, CEO, AAAS and Executive Publisher, Science family of journals, speaks during the lunch conversation at the White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Photo credit: AAAS
Travis York, Director of ISEED, AAAS and Co-founder of SOA, provides an overview the National Strategy at the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence co-hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance. Photo Credit: AAAS.
Stephanie Rodriguez, SOA Director, AAAS, engages in a breakout discussion of a pillar of the National Strategy at the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence co-hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance. Photo credit: AAAS
Tasha Inniss, Associate Provost for Research, Spelman College, provides instructions during a breakout discussion of the Pillars within the National Strategy during the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence co-hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance. Photo credit: AAAS
Cross-Sector Meeting Hosted by Arizona State University
Date: November 3, 2023
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Details: The STEMM Opportunity Alliance, in partnership with Arizona State University, held the Southwest STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit on November 3rd, 2023. This event was an opportunity for STEMM leaders, researchers, practitioners, educators, and others to discuss and share innovative strategies to promote equity and excellence in national and regional STEMM sectors.
The summit fostered collaboration among state and local policymakers, community organizations, K-12 education, academia, industry leaders, and other STEMM entities. Participants also helped to shape the National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence. The event concluded with a networking reception, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with STEMM colleagues from across sectors.
Resources
Before participating in in-depth group dialogues, attendees heard from leaders advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the STEMM ecosystem, including virtual remarks from Congressman Greg Stanton.
Dr. Michael Crow, President, Arizona State University, highlighted the work that ASU has undertaken over the past 20 years to become a more inclusive and supportive institution for individuals from all backgrounds pursuing STEMM degrees.
Russlyn Ali, CEO, XQ Institute delivered a keynote address centered around the importance of diversifying and increasing the workforce to meet economic needs
After the breakout sessions, a panel consisting of Dr. Raaghu Santanam, Kathleen Jolivette, Dr. Daniel Corr, and Ines Halloran, and moderated by Dr. Kenro Kusumi discussed creating the workforce of the future.
Kathleen Jolivette, Vice President of Attack Helicopters Programs, Boeing, reflected on her experiences as a non-traditional student in STEMM
Dr. Daniel Corr, President, Arizona Western College, stressed the importance of not only providing students with opportunities, but ensuring that they have the ability to access those opportunities.
Photo credit: ASU/Arizona Board of Regents
Cross-Sector STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit
Date: October 24, 2023
Location: Pegasus Park, Dallas, Texas
Details: The Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) Opportunity Alliance, in partnership with Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), held a Cross-Sector STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit on October 24th, 2023. This event engaged STEMM leaders, researchers, practitioners, educators, and others in discussions of innovative strategies to promote equity and excellence in national and regional STEMM sectors. The event included a keynote address by France Cordova (read her recent SOA blog post), announcements of the results new STEMM equity studies, and interactive group dialogues.
Resources:
Lyda Hill, founder of the Lyda Hill Philanthropies, welcomes participants to the summit
Over 90 attendees participated in the half-day event
France Cordova, President of the Science Philanthropy Alliance discusses the merits of the national strategy for STEMM equity and excellence.
Photo Credit: Michael Feder
Building STEMM Research Capacity within HBCUs
Date: Aug 25, 2023
Location: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Details: The STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) and our host Spelman College convened academic, philanthropic, and governmental leaders on advancing equity and excellence in the STEMM ecosystem by bolstering research and innovation at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This convening brought together leaders from across the nation and enabled them to network, identify barriers to STEMM equity at HBCUs, and provide input on the framework for the national strategy for achieving STEMM equity and excellence.
Resources:
Chicagoland Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence
Date: Aug 5, 2023
Location: Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
Details: The STEMM Opportunity Alliance and our host, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, brought together federal decision makers with STEMM leaders from community organizations, education non-profits, K-12 systems, higher education, government, and industry. The Summit will provided participants the opportunity hear from prominent public and private sector leaders. New SOA partners were announced as this movement continues to grow.
Event Readout: This summit convened industry leaders and representatives from local education systems to discuss local efforts to advance change. Attendees participated in break out sessions discussed the development of inclusive STEMM teaching practices and learning experiences, how to best support youth engagement and persistence in STEMM fields, addressing L-12 STEMM teacher diversity and shortages, and how to best enhance STEMM urban education and workforce development.
Resources:
Shirley Malcom, Senior Advisor to the AAAS CEO, welcomes participants to the Chicagoland Summit
Mayetie Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of Leadership Greater Chicago, discusses the importance of cross-sector partnerships to build STEMM equity and excellence
Participants engage in a discussion of the the national strategy for STEMM equity and excellence
Travis York, Director of ISEED at AAAS, provides an overview of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance
Raj Echambadi, President of Illinois Institute of Technology, describes how he has built a culture of STEMM learning at IIT
Jessica Chavez, Chief of Learning and Community Partnerships, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, provides summary remarks
Photo Credit: Ann-Sophie
Building an Equitable and Excellent STEMM Workforce Summit: Hosted by 3M
Date: Aug 3, 2023
Location: 3M, St Paul, MN
Details: Hosted by 3M, The Building an Equitable and Excellent STEMM Workforce Summit on offered an important opportunity for cross-sector stakeholders to discuss and create strategies for driving greater equity, opportunity, and innovation in the science and technology ecosystem regionally and nationally.
Event Readout: Hosted by 3M, this summit connected STEMM stakeholders including government agencies and technology industry to discuss the vitality of innovation and collaboration in reaching parity in the STEMM workforce. Attendees heard from an array of leaders including Congresswoman Betty McCollum and 3M’s Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate Jayshree Seth. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions where they discussed elevating girls and women in STEMM, building partnerships between businesses and postsecondary education to strengthen workforce development, and barriers and opportunities to connect rural Americans to career opportunities.
Resources:
Travis York, AAAS, provides an overview of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance
Michael Stroik, 3M, addresses the Summit participants
Summit attendees discuss the strategy for STEMM equity and excellence
Photo Credit: 3M
Northwest STEMM Summit - Achieving Equity and Excellence: Hosted by Micron Technology
Date: July 12, 2023
Location: Micron Technology, Boise, ID
Details: Hosted at Micron Technology's offices in Boise, ID, the convening on Achieving Equity and Excellence brought together federal decision makers with leaders from industry, state-level STEMM agencies, higher education institutions, education organizations, research institutions, and more to hear from prominent public and private sector leaders, learn about Micron’s new equity-minded initiatives, and provide value input on the National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence.
Event Readout: The Summit gave participants the opportunity to discuss the importance of fostering equity and inclusion to spur innovation and building a diverse future workforce. Attendees also participated in a workshop to discuss the national strategy draft framework with a particular eye towards goals and strategies that are relevant to the communities and schools, to determine whether the identified goals are the right ones to inspire communities and schools towards STEMM equity and excellence.
Resources:
Attendees look on during roundtable discussion at the Northwest STEMM Summit on June 12, 2023.
Erwin Gianchandani of the National Science Foundation speaks during roundtable discussion at Northwest STEMM Summit on June 12, 2023.
Participants discussing strategy during the breakout session at Northwest STEMM Summit on June 12, 2023.
Attendees at Northwest STEMM Summit gather on stage for a group photo on June 12, 2023.
Michael Feder, SOA, addresses summit attendees at Northwest STEMM Summit on June 12, 2023.
Participants discussing strategy during the breakout session at Northwest STEMM Summit on June 12, 2023.
Photo Credit: Micron Technology
Advancing STEMM Equity and Excellence in the Tech Sector
Date: May 23, 2023
Location: Snap, Inc., Los Angeles, CA
Details: Hosted at Snap, Inc.'s offices in Los Angeles, California, the convening on Advancing STEMM Equity and Excellence in the Tech Sector brought together a diverse group of organizations and partners to discuss equity and excellence in the technology field. More than 100 leaders in tech, industry, education, philanthropy, and community organizations participated in a workshop to co-construct a national strategy aimed at creating more equitable opportunities in STEMM.
Event Readout: During the plenary session participants heard from leaders in the tech sector who have made considerable contributions to advancing the issue of diversity and equity in STEMM, as well as from a representative of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). This session also featured a panel discussion which underlined the urgency of seeking equity in STEMM fields and issued a call to action for tech organizations to work in tandem to advance equity.
Resources:
Related Blog Post: The Role of Belonging in Achieving Equity in STEMM
Achieving STEMM Equity and Excellence in Communities and Schools
Date: April 18, 2023
Location: New York Hall of Science
Details: The convening on Achieving STEMM Equity and Excellence in Communities and Schools at the NYSCI featured facilitated workshops that provided participants with the opportunity to co-construct a national strategy for STEMM equity and excellence, with a particular eye towards the role of community, informal, and out-of-school sectors. It also featured speakers, keynotes, and panel discussions among leaders on how to turn theory into action, announcing and elevating key initiatives and partnerships aimed at accelerating progress toward STEMM equity.
Event Readout: The event included galvanizing remarks from speakers – including a video address from Governor Kathy Hochul of New York. The session also featured facilitated workshops that provided participants the opportunity to help co-construct the SOA national strategy for achieving STEMM equity and excellence by 2050.
Sam Gill, President & CEO, Doris Duke Foundation, addresses attendees at NYSCI event on April 18, 2023.
Sudip Parikh, CEO, AAAS, addresses attendees at NYSCI event on April 18, 2023.
Margaret Honey, President, New York Hall of Science, addresses attendees at NYSCI event on April 18, 2023.
From left to right: Travis York, Margaret Honey, Gilda Barabino, Sudip Parikh at NYSCI event on April 18, 2023.
Attendees participate in workshop during NYSCI event on April 18, 2023.
Attendees participate in workshop during NYSCI event on April 18, 2023.
Achieving STEMM Equity and Excellence in Postsecondary Education
Date: February 24, 2023
Location: Morgan State University
Details: “Achieving STEMM Equity and Excellence in Postsecondary Education,” an event hosted by Morgan State University and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance featured facilitated workshops which provided participants the opportunity to co-construct a national strategy for STEMM equity and excellence, with a particular eye towards goals and strategies that will inspire progress within the postsecondary field. The event included keynote addresses from SOA leaders, the President of Morgan State University and community changemakers. We brought together dozens of cross-sector partners to begin the work of constructing a national strategy.
Event Readout: The STEMM Opportunity Alliance and our host, Morgan State University, held an inaugural convening on Achieving STEMM Equity and Excellence in Postsecondary Education on February 24, 2023. The convening featured facilitated workshops that provided participants the opportunity to participate in the co-construction of a shared National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence, with a particular eye towards goals and strategies that will inspire progress within the postsecondary field.
Resources:
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller (D-MD) addresses attendees at Morgan State University event on February 24, 2023.
Shirley Malcom addresses attendees at Morgan State University event on February 24, 2023.
Travis York addresses attendees at Morgan State University event on February 24, 2023.
As Morgan State University President David Wilson looks on, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Sudip Parikh shake hands during event on February 24, 2023.
Shirley Malcom engages with a group of attendees at the Morgan State University event on February 24, 2023
Sam Gill addresses attendees at Morgan State University event on February 24, 2023.
Photo credit: Office of the Governor of Maryland
STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice 2023 Convening
Date: May 1-3, 2023
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Details: The Jacksonville FL Convening of the 100+ Community STEM Learning Ecosystem Community of Practice presented SOA with a unique opportunity to speak with STEMM education leaders and students from across the country. During the three day meeting we convened a 3 hour workshop on the National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence. About 40 leaders from STEMM ecosystems and students attended the workshop. Participants were invited to stay engaged in our work by providing additional input via a web-form, becoming SOA partners, and attending future events.
Event Readout: At the recent STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice 2023 Convening managed by the Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES), the STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) hosted a workshop centered around Achieving STEMM Equity and Excellence across the Education Ecosystem. The workshop brought together a diverse group of over 40 cross-sector partners representing regional STEM ecosystems from all around the country – including students, K-12 representatives, out of school programs, government stakeholders, philanthropy leaders, research institutions and more – to discuss the role of informal education organizations, K-12 educators, and postsecondary and research institutions in creating equitable STEMM learning opportunities.
STEM Learning Community of Practice 2023 Convening Workshop Summary
SOA Listening Session at AAAS Annual Meeting
Date: March 4, 2023
Location: Washington, DC
Details: The theme of this year’s meeting, “Science for Humanity,” was especially fitting to SOA’S mission: to build a STEMM ecosystem rooted in equity, inclusion, and scientific excellence to power progress, innovation, and prosperity for all by 2050. The event, which was attended by members of the scientific community, included a SOA-hosted listening session that asked participants for feedback and ideas related to the national strategy we are co-constructing to achieve equity in STEMM. The conversation covered a range of topics, including, K-12 STEMM teacher production and curriculum, post-secondary STEMM environments, and the importance of data and accountability.
Related Blog Post: Building a national STEMM equity strategy that transforms the full ecosystem
White House Summit on Equity and Excellence in STEMM
Date: December 12, 2022
Location: The Ronald Reagan Building and The White House Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Washington, DC
Capacity: 120 guests
Details:
The 2022 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence was co-hosted by the White House Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP), the Doris Duke Foundation, and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance on December 12. We gathered with leaders across the country, including many of our 93 partner organizations, as we launched the STEMM Opportunity Alliance.
The event took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with a live-stream through the White House’s YouTube page. Leaders from the federal government, industry leaders, STEM focused non-profits, and STEM professionals.
Resources
Save the Date: Cross-Sector Meeting Hosted by Arizona State University
The STEMM Opportunity Alliance, in partnership with Arizona State University, held the Southwest STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit on November 3rd, 2023. This event was an opportunity for STEMM leaders, researchers, practitioners, educators, and others to discuss and share innovative strategies to promote equity and excellence in national and regional STEMM sectors.
Featuring keynotes, panel discussions with industry and academic leaders, and interactive group dialogues, the summit was both engaging and informative. Attendees also had an opportunity to experience Dreamscape Learn, ASU’s immersive, virtual reality learning technology, offering a glimpse into one of ASU’s latest STEMM innovations.
The Summit fostered collaboration among state and local policymakers, community organizations, K-12 education, academia, industry leaders, and other STEMM entities. Participants also helped to shape the National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence.
The event concluded with a networking reception, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with STEMM colleagues from across sectors.
Contact Us for More Information
Resources
About ASU
Arizona State University, ranked no. 1 in innovation for nine consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, is transforming higher education and advancing equity in STEMM fields by expanding access to degree enrollment and attainment opportunities, advocating for diverse voices in research, and breaking the rigid, linear design of higher education to provide more learning opportunities for all individuals – from kindergarten through post-retirement.
Save the Date: Cross-Sector Meeting Hosted by Lyda Hill Philanthropies and NMSI
The Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) Opportunity Alliance, in partnership with Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), invites you to the Cross-Sector STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit on October 24th, 2023. This event is an opportunity for STEMM leaders, researchers, practitioners, educators, and others to discuss and share innovative strategies to promote equity and excellence in national and regional STEMM sectors.
Featuring a keynote by France Cordova (read her recent SOA blog post), announcements of the results new STEMM equity studies, and interactive group dialogues, the summit promises to be both engaging and informative.
The Summit will foster collaboration among state and local policymakers, philanthropy, community organizations, academia, industry leaders, and other STEMM entities. Participants will also provide input on the draft National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence.
The event will conclude with a networking reception, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with STEMM colleagues from across sectors.
Register by October 19th, 2023
Summit Resources
Chicagoland STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit
The STEMM Opportunity Alliance and our host, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, are pleased to invite you to the Chicagoland STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit. The event will bring together federal decision makers with STEMM leaders from community organizations, education non-profits, K-12 systems, higher education, government, and industry.
The Summit will provide participants the opportunity hear from prominent public and private sector leaders. New SOA partners will be announced as this movement continues to grow. In addition, participants will provide guidance on the National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence. A reception will follow with opportunities to network with key industry leaders and decision makers.
Pre-Reading for the STEMM Summit
Building an Equitable and Excellent STEMM Workforce Summit: Hosted by 3M
The STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) and 3M invite you to participate in the Building an Equitable and Excellent STEMM Workforce Summit on August 3, 2023 at 3M in St Paul, MN. This Summit offers an important opportunity for cross-sector stakeholders to discuss and create strategies for driving greater equity, opportunity, and innovation in the science and technology ecosystem regionally and nationally.
The Summit will feature keynotes and panels with public and private sector leaders, facilitated group dialogues, and hands-on experiences – including an interactive tour of the 3M Innovation Center, which invites guests to engage with a diverse range of exciting technologies. The event will bring together federal decision makers and regional STEM leaders from industry, higher education institutions, education organizations, community organizations, research institutions, and more. A reception will follow with opportunities to network with key industry leaders and decision makers.
Pre-Reading for the STEMM Summit
Northwest STEMM Summit - Achieving Equity & Excellence: Hosted by Micron
The STEMM Opportunity Alliance and our host, Micron Technology, are pleased to invite you to the NW STEMM Equity and Excellence Summit. The Summit will bring together federal decision makers with STEM leaders from industry, state-level STEMM agencies, higher education institutions, education organizations, research institutions, and more.
Click event title or logo to learn more and register.
*Start and end times of the event are listed in MT
Equity and Excellence in the Tech Industry: Hosted by Snap Inc.
The STEMM Opportunity Alliance and our host, Snap Inc., are pleased to invite you to an invitation-only convening on STEMM Equity and Excellence in the Technology Industry. This event is part of a series of SOA events aimed at building collective goals and approaches among a community of STEMM equity advocates and actors.
Space for the event is very limited. We will livestream the plenary portions of the meeting. Click the event title or logo for instructions on how to indicate interest in attending in-person by May 5, 2023 or to register for the livestream.
STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice 2023 Convening
The Jacksonville FL Convening of the 100+ Community STEM Learning Ecosystem Community of Practice presented SOA with a unique opportunity to speak with STEMM education leaders and students from across the country. During the three day meeting we convened a 3 hour workshop on the National Strategy for STEMM Equity and Excellence. About 40 leaders from STEMM ecosystems and students attended the workshop. Participants were invited to stay engaged in our work by providing additional input via a web-form, becoming SOA partners, and attending future events.
Achieving STEMM Equity and Excellence in Communities and Schools
On April 18th and the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), SOA will host leaders from across K-12 education, industry, philanthropy, museums, afterschool/summer programs, and more to discuss the national strategy to improve equity in STEMM.
Click event title or logo to learn more and register.