The AAC&U Convergence Program for BIPOC Women in STEM is generously funded by the Henry Luce Foundation. Convergence is a yearlong entrepreneurial incubator and professional development program that is fully committed to advancing the nation’s social justice agenda through the scientific discovery and innovation of BIPOC women in academia and industry. Convergence employs culturally responsive and empowering learning, creating safe and brave spaces for BIPOC women to explore the disrupting and damaging patterns of combined racial and gender exclusion in STEM.
The Curriculum
The yearlong AAC&U Convergence Program includes regularly-scheduled virtual sessions where Fellows are able to critically explore and engage in didactic learning, hands-on practice, and interactions with experienced incubator developers, other BIPOC women, and noted experts from across the country.
Among the topics covered are:
- Business Modeling
- Funding Opportunities
- Leadership
- Marketing and Branding
- Protecting Intellectual Property
- Racism and Sexism in STEM
Convergence Fellows
Convergence Program Fellows represent a wide range of higher education institutions, industry, and other organizations. Prior entrepreneurship experience is not required for selection as a Fellow.
Convergence Fellows are selected through a rigorous review process. Each Fellow receives:
- $15,000 to advance their work from design and development to production and marketing
- Early entrepreneurial education
- Access to mentors
- Connections to an investor network.
Who Should Apply?
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) women who are:
- in any STEM discipline
- employed in the academy, industry, or self-employed
- committed to promoting social justice through scientific innovation
- early or experienced entrepreneurs
For information about the application process, please visit us at https://tinyurl.com/STEMBIPOC.