Jul. 8, 2021
Socioeconomic status (SES) is a characterization derived from a combination of education, income and occupation, and can negatively impact student well-being, academic performance and achievement of career goals. Low-SES students can experience difficult transitions to college, may approach studying differently and have a more limited repertoire of learning strategies. Workers who come from lower SES in the United States are 32% less likely to become managers than those who come from higher social-class origins.
It is clear that root causes of inequity are increasingly related to social class. Low SES is a systemic disadvantage that is often overlooked in current definitions of DEI. More analysis is needed to understand how to best move forward in leveling these inequities.
By attending to social class disadvantage, we can reinforce our efforts to combat other forms of disadvantage. In SCS we will:
To do so, we will need to continue to create active and inclusive activities that enable multiple modes of engagement, create various pathways for achievement, and create supportive environments with accessible mentors and resources. We may also need to provide an understanding of the cultural norms that will help people when they encounter unfamiliar situations.
Here are some example scenarios to think about:
Carnegie Mellon hosts a series of programs to support student success and inclusion. Learn more about:
The Girls of Steel won FIRSTChairman’s Award, the most prestigious award at FIRST. It honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST.
Attend the University of Pittsburgh's 2021 Diversity Forum, July 26-29. The aim of the 2021 Diversity Forum, "Dismantling Oppressive Systems: Building Just Communities," is to engage and equip participants with the knowledge, skills and resources to identify sources of systemic oppression; consider strategies for dismantling that oppression; and explore the actions critical in fostering more equitable and just communities where we live, work and learn. There is no cost to attend and there is still time to submit a poster.