Engaging a Diverse Workforce in the Building Sciences Through the JUMP Into STEM Program: Impact Study
Abstract: Ensuring inclusivity in building science professions requires engaging people from underrepresented demographics; unfortunately, many races, ethnicities, and genders continue to be underrepresented. The JUMP into STEM program works to rectify this, encouraging creative ideation and highlighting the unique perspectives of a diverse array of students. The top students are awarded internships that provide opportunities to work in building science research with close supervision from mentors in the field. In the research presented here, we investigate the impact of participation in JUMP into STEM on students’ careers, including the impact on students from diverse backgrounds.
Authors:
Dr. Kerry Rippy, NREL; Westly Joseph, NREL; Emre Ustuner, NREL; Selam Haile, NREL; Jacob Votava, NREL; Dr. Kim Trenbath, NREL.
Building a Diverse and Inclusive STEM Workforce: The JUMP into STEM Program
Abstract: The JUMP into STEM program is a DOE-funded initiative jointly run by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Oak Ridge National La-boratory. Through this program, students from historically underrepresented backgrounds are engaged in the science of building energy-efficient infrastruc-ture. Through program stages, students have opportunity to compete in chal-lenges, competitions, and internship opportunities. We have conducted a study of past participants in the program. We find that 1) the program has been effec-tive at engaging a diverse array of participants from a variety of backgrounds, including historically underrepresented backgrounds, and 2) the program has been effective at promoting career paths in STEM, and more specifically, in en-ergy efficiency.
Authors:
Dr. Kerry Rippy, NREL; Westly Joseph, NREL
Increasing Diversity in Energy Efficiency Professions: JUMP into STEM
Abstract: A long-term approach to achieving equity in the energy efficiency industry is to increase the overall diversity of the professionals who work in the field. Building science professionals have a direct impact on energy efficiency policy and programs, as many become leaders within the industry. Buildings are used every day by almost all members of U.S. society, so diversity in building science professionals is critical to better understanding the behaviors and needs of the full spectrum of building occupants. Many groups of people, including minorities and women, are underrepresented in the industry. The industry needs to attract a wide range of current college and university students to careers in building science, so that many perspectives are included in the clean energy transition.
Authors:
Mary Hubbard, U.S. DOE’s BTO; Dr. Kim Trenbath, NREL; Melissa Lapsa, ORNL; Dr. Roderick Jackson, NREL