Excellence in STEM

ARCS National Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

At a Special National Board Meeting held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, the following DEI statement and tagline were approved:

Opening Doors to Scientific Achievement

ARCS Foundation embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values critical to scientific excellence and innovation. We believe these core values are crucial to creating a welcoming environment within our organization. We open doors to talented individuals who bring different perspectives to scientific research. ARCS Foundation celebrates and supports the efforts of our partner institutions as they eliminate barriers to academic and scientific achievement.

ARCS National Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Task Force

At the June National Board Meeting held via Zoom on June 12, 2021, the National DEI Action Plan Task Force Charter was approved.

Purpose of the National DEI Task Force

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan Task Force is a temporary working group, formed to develop recommendations for possible actions and/or initiatives to support and implement ARCS National DEI Statement. Five Working Groups which mirror the structure of the DEI Statement have been formed to gather information, evaluate, brainstorm and develop the recommendations for National.

Information about the Working Groups

1.       Values

• Key issue: What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean as core values for ARCS Foundation?
• Contact: Sarah Watts saleedu@hotmail.com

2.       Members

• Key issue: How can we ensure that women with different life experiences feel valued and welcomed within our ARCS environment?
• Contact: Julie Branford jebranford@gmail.com

3.       Scholars

• Key issue: What are ways that we can engage our scholars in efforts to open doors to diverse ways of thinking in scientific research?
• Contact: Jo Whitehouse mjw@jumpstartbio.com

4.       Universities

• Key issue: How can ARCS work with its university partners to eliminate barriers to academic and scientific achievement?
• Contact: Danielle Robinson robinmommy@me.com

5.       External/Partners and Funders

• Key issue: What are the priorities of major funders (industry and foundations) for grants to students in STEM?
• Contact: Patty Sparrell ptsparrell@gmail.com

A Call for Volunteers | We welcome all ideas and perspectives

If you are interested in joining our efforts, please reach out to the contact listed with a Working Group. 

For general information, contact DEI Action Plan Task Force Co-chairs, Barb Goergen and Beth Wainwright at deiaptfcochairs@arcsfoundation.org