The Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective (PSEC) is excited to celebrate its 2nd Annual Philadelphia STEM Equity Week 2024 from October 26 to November 2, a week dedicated to advancing inclusivity and opportunity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. On October 30 of last year, it was announced through a proclamation by former Mayor James Kenney to declare the week as Philadelphia STEM Equity Week, signaling the City’s commitment to fostering quality education, embracing diversity and supporting our young people to access and thrive in the workforce.
The proclamation stated that “Philadelphia is recognized as a hub for science and technology, and therefore must ensure that our STEM talent grows equitably and reflects the diversity of its citizens. Providing support to organizations and initiatives dedicated to building equity and increasing the sense of belonging for Black people, Latinx people and women is a critical step in this process.”
Organized by PSEC, this groundbreaking weeklong initiative aims to unite educators, students, professionals, community leaders, and families in both addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable access to STEM fields and celebrating and showcasing of the vibrant STEM programs Philadelphia has to offer.
One of the flagship events during STEM Equity Week is the STEMposium, a conference that brings together members of the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective, the Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem, and collaborators in STEM education and industry. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 30 from 1:00 – 5:30pm at the University City Science Center, this event will be an opportunity to recognize the work being done by PSEC members, center the experiences of young people on STEM pathways entering the workforce, and surface new scholarship around STEM equity.
Host an Event & Award Opportunities
We encourage our partners and collaborators to celebrate Philadelphia STEM Equity Week alongside PSEC by hosting events during the week of October 26th to November 2nd celebrating and supporting diversity in STEM. Events can showcase STEM educational activities, promote job or other opportunities, celebrate innovators of all ages, and/or improve neighborhoods using STEM! The PSEC Steering Committee is offering a limited number of $250 or $500 awards for organizations hosting public events during STEM Equity Week that align with PSEC goals. Interested individuals or organizations can register their events and request award funds using this application – please submit it by Friday, 6 September.
About the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective
A partnership between PEF and GSK within the Philadelphia STEM Ecosystem, PSEC was established in January 2020 to cultivate STEM equity, access, and inclusion in STEM career pathways for Philadelphia students who are traditionally under-represented in STEM occupations. PSEC aims to increase the number of Black, Latinx and women Philadelphians entering STEM careers by 2030 by supporting strategies that increase STEM access in homes and communities, create equitable education-to-career pathways and support diverse work environments.
Connect on Social
Follow us on Instagram and on LinkedIn or search hashtags #STEMEquityWeek #STEMposium #STEMEquity #DiversityInSTEM #PSEC. You can also visit our website https://www.phillystemco.org/ for updates and to learn more about how you can participate and make an impact during Philadelphia STEM Equity Week 2024!
Contact Us
For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please email Betsy Payne, PSEC’s Member Relations Manager at spayne@philaedfund.org.