Equity and Inclusion from Engineering Education to Practice

Catalog description

Equity and inclusion within engineering education bears implications for the diversity of the field, and likewise for engineering practice and beyond. In this course designed for non-majors, we will explore the interconnected consequences of culture, policies, practices, and more on equity and inclusion. We will examine the historical and systemic barriers that underrepresented groups face in entering and succeeding within the engineering field, and the broader impact these challenges have on workforce diversity. We will investigate the long-term, systemic effects of inequitable access to engineering education on innovation, societal progress, and the global workforce. The course will also address the consequences of these disparities for community well-being and access to engineering-driven solutions. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of how fostering equity and inclusion within engineering education can lead to more inclusive, innovative, and socially responsible engineering practices that benefit diverse communities.