The College of Engineering Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Action Seed Grants (IDEAS) Action Group announced two IDEAS Grant applications have been funded.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) earned an IDEAS Grant for their project, “Arduino Traffic Lights – Santa Maria and Pioneer Valley High School.” The project is a way to enhance STEM education in high schools that don’t have the resources for hands-on projects.
The Arduino Traffic Lights project will allow high school students to help autonomously program traffic lights in Santa Maria at a four-way intersection while learning about hardware, software and electrical components of engineering.
The funds will be used to support students through implementing outreach activities, purchasing reusable technology kits and creating a long-lasting curriculum.
oSTEM
oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) earned an IDEAS Grant for their project, “Pronoun Buttons Campaign.”
oSTEM is a club that strives to create a welcoming community for queer engineers and scientists inside and outside of the classroom. According to club members, the project aims to foster inclusivity by providing the College of Engineering community with buttons that display a person’s preferred pronouns.
“We believe that our pins will give students and staff tools to better communicate empathetically and create an inclusive STEM environment,” club members described in their abstract.
“Community members can choose to wear the pronouns as a source of pride, both as members and allies of gender-nonconforming groups.”
About the IDEAS Grant
IDEAS was established to support the diversity mission statement of the College of Engineering. Anyone affiliated with the college that has an IDEA is encouraged to apply. The application process is short and simple with the intent that projects in the target range of $200 to $1,000 can launch quickly.
The members of the Engineering IDEAS Committee will review proposals each quarter and notify the contact person listed on the proposal form of the status of the proposal within three weeks of the proposal deadline.
Visit here for more information about the College of Engineering IDEAS.
Diversity Mission Statement:
The Cal Poly College of Engineering fosters an environment based in love, empathy and respect where all are supported, energized and empowered. Opportunities to contribute exist for all, and a broad range of voices and experiences are necessary as we co-create our future. We are developing an inclusive community where everyone can be their own unique selves.
