OSTP Shares Resource on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Science and Technology

Today, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) shared a summary of actions to take to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and technology. The post titled, “Raising the Floor: Sharing What Works in Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” was written by Megan Smith, the U.S. Chief Technology Officer, and Laura Weidman Powers, a Senior Policy Advisor at OSTP.

“In order to help accelerate this work, we have compiled insights and tips into an Action Grid designed to be a resource for those striving to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive science and technology teams and workforces, so that we can all learn from each other.”

Click here to view the Action Grid online and download a PDF here. Below is a brief outline of the items fully described in the Action Grid. Please share this resource broadly.

Leadership: Increase leadership engagement of senior and mid-level management
Recommended steps include:
•    Creating concrete engagement points for senior leaders
•    Upgrading mentorship to sponsorship
•    Creating accountability mechanisms
•    Embedding diversity in the strategy

Retention and Advancement: Improve the retention and upward mobility of diverse talent
Recommended steps include:
•    Identifying current obstacles
•    Analyzing and share data
•    Training the current workforce
•    Leveraging professional development
•    Institutionalizing formal feedback
•    Supporting employee resource groups

Hiring Pathways: Strengthening pathways for candidates into your workforce
Recommended steps include:
•    Conducting deliberate outreach
•    Expanding points of entry
•    Prioritizing data
•    Updating candidate screening systems

Ecosystem: Build external constituencies of support
Recommended steps include:
•    Finding allies in the work
•    Using moments of influence to further the work