Equity Statement

The Northeast STEAM Coalition believes that all young people deserve to have access to opportunities that will help them reach their full potential. We also believe that Black and BIPOC youth are disproportionately affected by systemic racism and discrimination. This is why we are committed to creating an equitable organization that serves the needs of all young people, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

We acknowledge that the Pacific Northwest is home to many Indigenous peoples, and we respect their values and traditions. We are committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities to ensure that our programs are culturally appropriate and respectful.

We believe that equity is not just about providing equal opportunities. It is also about addressing the systemic barriers that prevent Black and BIPOC youth from achieving their full potential. We are committed to working to dismantle these barriers, and we will do so by:

  • Hiring a diverse staff that reflects the communities we serve.
  • Creating programs that are culturally appropriate and relevant to Black and BIPOC youth.
  • Addressing implicit bias in our policies and practices.
  • Advocating for policies that promote equity for all young people.

We know that we have a long way to go, but we are committed to the journey. We believe that by working together, we can create a more equitable future for all young people.

Land Acknowledgement

In offering this land acknowledgment, we recognize the profound significance of the ancestral lands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and other Indigenous nations who have cared for and preserved this land across generations. Our acknowledgment extends to the diverse BIPOC communities, including Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, and Pacific Islander youth, who have brought unique cultures, resilience, and vitality to this territory. We are deeply committed to amplifying their voices and experiences as we strive for a world where equitable opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) studies and careers become an inspiring and attainable reality. The NE STEAM Coalition stands together with these communities, advocating, partnering, and providing programs to honor the history and dreams that have shaped this land. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion fuels our mission, as we embrace the strength of varied perspectives and backgrounds, driving innovation in the STEAM field.