Project Grant 2303074

The National Science Foundation awarded Florida Gulf Coast University a $297,013 Project Grant under the STEM Education federal grant program (CFDA 47.076). The grant will fund an institutional self-assessment and development of a five-year strategic equity plan for STEM faculty. Specifically, FGCU will identify potential organizational inequities and policies that may differentially impact professional outcomes. This work will result in tailored recommendations and actions to promote equity in STEM disciplines through May 2025. As a relatively new institution established in 1997, this assessment and strategic planning will establish an important foundation. Being located in Fort Myers, Florida, the university is well-positioned to address equity issues of particular relevance to its context. Outcomes will be shared to benefit the broader academic community through communications with stakeholders and presentations at conferences. The NSF Advance Program aims to foster gender equity in STEM fields by eliminating organizational barriers, and this Catalyst Award supports institutional assessments and strategic planning to promote faculty diversity and inclusion.