Access to Advancement, Part 1: DO-IT and Access STEM Improve Transitions to STEM Education and Careers

Piece Description

DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology), a program operated by the University of Washington in Seattle, was designed to broaden the participation of people with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers. Through AccessSTEM, a project within DO-IT, the University of Washington has partnered with two local community colleges and all high schools within the Seattle Public Schools system to increase the numbers of individuals with disabilities graduating with associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The project works to engage educators, employers, and service providers in making STEM education and careers more welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities. The program also uses evidence-based practices, such as mentoring, peer support, and internships, to increase student success, and distributes information about accessibility to educators, employers, students, and others through an online resource center. This story features DO-IT scholars, such as Emily Horwitz who says the program gave her confidence, as well as DO-IT founder, Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler, who describes how DO-IT and AccessSTEM's focus on critical academic junctures is an important part of their success.