Support for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields is a decades-old conversation, despite what you may read in recent headlines. In 1980, Congress established the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering within the National Science Foundation (NSF) and began working to broaden STEM participation of women and historically excluded minorities. For example, the NSF INCLUDES program in 2016 funded pilot programs aimed at increasing participation in STEM. Yet, women and minorities are still underrepresented in most STEM fields. They are less likely to pursue STEM opportunities and leave STEM roles at higher rates than men.
A 2023 report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine highlights this workforce discrepancy (see figure) by exploring the population of women who received a STEM degree and what percentage of them are actually employed in STEM, STEM-related, or non-STEM occupations. The research shows that most women with STEM degrees opt to work outside these fields, with Asian women being the exception.
There is clearly more work to be done. Last year, the NSF awarded $48 million to the Broadening Participation in Computing Alliances which seeks to include more underrepresented groups in computer and information sciences and engineering. To keep the momentum going, a coalition of Senators and Representatives have reintroduced and sponsored the Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025. This legislation proposes targeted federal investment to help diversify and strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce.
Specifically, the bill authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants supporting professional development, mentoring, and outreach initiatives aimed at increasing recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in science and engineering. Eligible activities include projects designed to target all levels of the community, such as:
- Virtual workshops that can promote accessibility
- Internship placements for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM
- Outreach programs providing STEM opportunities to elementary and secondary students
- Mentorship programs tailored to increase recruitment and retention of underrepresented faculty members
The legislation allocates $15 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to fund these programs. While the grants are competitive and merit-based, they focus explicitly on groups historically excluded or marginalized in STEM, addressing systemic gaps in federal support and access to opportunity.
Some critics of the bill worry that focusing efforts on minority recruitment might put majority populations at a disadvantage. The best candidate should always be selected. The training, mentoring, and outreach initiatives afforded by this legislation will simply help ensure women and minority candidates are able to be considered and not overlooked. Others suggest funds could be spent elsewhere. However, the evidence demonstrates that when inclusion is prioritized, innovation happens at higher rates – discoveries, breakthroughs, and achievements that would benefit us all.
This bill’s efforts to move science forward while giving opportunities to all is an example of the type of support women and other minority groups need in order to thrive in STEM fields. The STEM Booster Act would improve science outcomes for everyone and address the urgent need to improve opportunities regarding recruitment and retention. Senator Hirono notes that “at a time when diversity is under attack, every effort to support building diverse pipelines—particularly into STEM fields—is crucial.”
The STEM Booster Act has a long legislative history. It was first introduced in both chambers in 2019 and again in 2021 and 2024. The current 2025 bill was reintroduced by Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Shontel Brown (D-OH) in the House, and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in the Senate. With 14 cosponsors in the House and 8 cosponsors in the Senate, the STEM Booster Act awaits further action from the relevant committees, where it must advance before it can be considered for floor votes. The bill faces potential ideological challenges given the current political climate and debates around diversity initiatives.
The loss of diversity in STEM has real world consequences for both society and excluded individuals. When STEM-trained individuals leave the field, society loses the novel perspectives and innovative ideas that they bring to the table. We also lose role models for those who share their race, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Organizations lose productive employees, their contributions, and the crucial support they give to colleagues. This support is significant as many underrepresented individuals report experiencing stress and exhaustion due to the lack of community in their work environment.
Furthermore, when individuals who are in a minority group are prevented from accessing a STEM education and jobs, they are also denied the economic and professional opportunities that these high-paying fields offer.
The Association for Women in Science encourages you to share how diversity and inclusion has made a difference in your life with your elected officials. You can contact them by phone at (202) 224-3121. If you are more comfortable sending an email or fax, you can find the pertinent information for the House and Senate at https://contactrepresentatives.org/.
AWIS encourages leaders to employ equitable and enforceable policies to ensure they acquire the most qualified workforce. Some examples include ensuring gender neutral language in job descriptions, removing names from resumes during screening, having a clear rubric for assessing candidates, training hiring managers in unconscious bias, and assembling selection committees with different viewpoints and expertise. Learn more about AWIS Advocacy initiatives.
Megan Pohlmann, RN, MSN, CPN, Kimberly Scata, PhD, Sydney Woods, and Melissa Spigelman are members of the AWIS Advocacy Committee and would like to thank their fellow committee members who helped provide research for this article. The AWIS Advocacy Committee works to ensure that all women in science and STEM related fields can achieve their full potential. Our advocacy work focuses on achieving positive system transformation, equitable workplaces, and recognition of women’s scientific and leadership achievements.