AccessSTEM, the Northwest Alliance for Access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Val Sundby, DO-IT staff

DO-IT leads the Northwest Alliance for Access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (AccessSTEM). Supported by the National Science Foundation Cooperative Agreement #HRD-0227995, AccessSTEM's purpose is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in STEM careers. Primary project efforts are focused in the Northwest region—in the states of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon—and outreach and dissemination efforts extend nationwide. Project partners included leading STEM research organizations, K-12 schools and teachers, and employers throughout the Northwest. The Northwest Alliance joins three other National Science Foundation Regional Alliances for Persons with Disabilities in STEM—RASEM2, EAST, and MIDWEST—to develop resources and share promising practices through the AccessSTEM Knowledge Base at www.washington.edu/doit/programs/accessstem/knowledge-base.

Opportunities exist for students, teachers, professors, employers, counselors, and community agency staff who are interested in joining this effort. K-12 STEM educators in the classroom or in nonprofit enrichment programs may be eligible to apply for minigrants. High school and college students pursuing STEM fields can apply to be part of the AccessSTEM team and participate in special events, mentoring, and internships. More information about AccessSTEM can be found at www.washington.edu/doit/programs/accessstem/overview.