Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute received a $240,000 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation to help teach WPI students how to call out biases in race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status or national origin.
The group, Supporting WPI through Effective and Equitable Teamwork -- known as SWEET -- is taking a closer look at the issue in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) institutions via a four-phase approach to implement an equitable environment in teamwork.
According to a 2015 U.S. Census Bureau, 56 percent of the population under 18 will be made up of people of color from multiple ethnicities by 2060.
The program’s long-range goal is to evolve alongside the population to ensure the workforce remains strong for future college students.
Such a program is important for WPI, which offers a project-based curriculum in which students are required to work together to solve real-world problems.
“Students often don’t realize that they’re behaving with bias,” said Elisabeth Stoddard, assistant teaching professor in the environmental and sustainability studies program, and one of the grant recipients. “For example, team members might assign women more organizational tasks, whereas men might take on more technical roles.”
According to Stoddard, studies show teams with more diversity are better at solving problems and innovating than homogeneous teams.
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments