FOCUS Program Receives Diversity Magazine Award

Carleton’s FOCUS Program received a 2018 “Inspiring Programs in STEM” Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Carleton’s FOCUS Program is featured, along with 77 other recipients, in the September 2018 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.

“We in the FOCUS Program are very excited to get this recognition from INSIGHT Into Diversity and are gratified to be in such good company with so many excellent programs!” says Carleton professor of chemistry Deborah Gross. “We look forward to continuing to support our outstanding students and appreciate the opportunity to publicly celebrate the contributions of so many students and programs.”

Under the leadership of Gross, FOCUS is a curriculum-based cohort program for students interested in science and math who come from groups historically under-represented in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Funded by the National Science Foundation, Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program, and Carleton College, FOCUS provides community, support, and academic opportunities for members while encouraging the pursuit of science and math careers. 

Focused on cultivating students in STEM fields, FOCUS supports students through their entry into science/math study at Carleton by creating a cohort of peers that enrolls in classes together, meets regularly in a colloquium throughout the first and second year, and has opportunities for work study in the sciences. Cohort activities continue throughout a student’s four years at Carleton. Learn more here.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

For more information about the 2018 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.