In keeping with Columbia Engineerings' commitments to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across the engineering community, and the goals and objectives as outlined in the Commission Report, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is pleased to announce the creation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mini Grant.
In the Summer of 2021, Columbia Engineering released a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Report, which worked to identify challenges and opportunities in DEI. Commission members identified priority impact areas to advance the School's DEI goals in research, education, and community impact. They are: strengthening the pipeline for student and faculty recruitment, prioritizing a welcoming culture and climate, particularly for women, Underrepresented Minorities (URM’s), and those from diverse cultures, as well as integrating DEI into research, teaching, and innovation.
These impact areas anchor our DEI strategy in three pillars through which DEI goals are recognized:
- Talent (Recruitment, Retention, Mentoring, Advancement)
- Environment and Culture (Awareness, Visibility, Community/Engagement, Integration)
- Accountability and Recognition (Recognition, Incentivization, Assessment, Accountability)
This initiative looks to provide seed funding (up to $1,000), to the Columbia Engineering community to help support and enhance DEI efforts throughout the School. This mechanism is intended to support grassroots diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the School in alignment with the Commission Goals. Proposed initiatives should broaden or deepen understanding of the current trends in DEI activities within the department and/or school, and prioritize creating avenues for equitable participation from all groups in STEM.
For more information, please refer to the Request for Proposal here.
If you have any questions please reach out to seasdiversity@columbia.edu.