The association of science-technology centers (astc) will lead research exploring how museums approach diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (deai) practices in the post-pandemic ERA

The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) was awarded a $694,536 project grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants for Museums (CFDA 45.312) program. The grant funds research exploring how museums approach diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) practices in the post-pandemic era.

ASTC will partner with the Garibay Group and the Association of Children's Museums to develop a national survey to understand current DEAI practices in the museum field. They will also convene a group of 60 museum leaders and practitioners to discuss the survey findings, challenges, and resources needed to implement DEAI practices and support DEAI planning strategies. As a result of this 3-year project, museums will become more knowledgeable about DEAI practices and better understand how to operationalize equity-focused practices. Museum associations and professional networks will also benefit by deepening their DEAI knowledge and enhancing their DEAI professional development and capacity-building efforts to support their members.

Astc will partner with the garibay group and the association of children's museums to develop a national survey to understand current deai practices in the museum field and convene a group of 60 museum leaders and practitioners to discuss survey findings, as well as the challenges and resources needed to implement deai practices and support deai planning strategies. As a result of this project, museums will become more knowledgeable about deai practice and will better understand how to operationalize equity-focused practices. Museum associations and professional networks will also benefit by deepening their deai knowledge and enhancing ongoing deai professional development and capacity-building efforts to support members.