Impact Report issued during National Engineers Week.
In response to recent challenges to diversity initiatives, The 50K Coalition issued its Impact Report recognizing progress and setbacks. Specifically, the Report shared the passing of an important milestone of 50,000 minorities and women receiving undergraduate engineering degrees in an academic year, two years ahead of its goal.
“Through the 50K Coalition, we’ve seen the power of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared goal,” said Janeen Uzzell, CEO, National Society of Black Engineers. “The work of reshaping the engineering landscape is a collective effort demanding passion, vision, and collaboration. Broadening participation in engineering is not just about numbers; it’s about fostering innovation, enriching our perspectives, and building a future in which everyone has an equal opportunity to shine.”
In the Impact Report the Coalition also emphasized the disparities that still exist for underrepresented groups, urging ongoing action to remove career path barriers faced by both students and professionals. Key metrics about the progress of minorities and women in engineering degrees were offered, while noting that gaps remain.
In its press statement, the organization cited that over all the U.S. produced approximately 97,000 engineers per year at the bachelor’s degree level in 2015, roughly 34% were minorities and women. As the number of undergraduate engineering degrees rose to approximately 126,000 over the next five years, that percentage increased to approximately 40%, reflecting efforts to help minorities and women in their careers.
Segments improved, but gaps of differing degrees remained
For instance, from 2015 to 2020 women engineering graduates rose by 55% (from 19,588 to 30,326), accounting for 24% of awarded undergraduate engineering degrees, but significantly lower than the 50.4% of the U.S. population.
Similar gaps exist for Hispanic and Black engineering graduates. The former increased by 72% to reach 14% of all degrees versus 18.7% of the Hispanic population, while Black engineering graduates rose by 34%, yet received just 4.6% of engineering degrees versus 13.6% of the population.
Recent setbacks require greater action
The Coalition noted recent setbacks such as the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ending affirmative action in higher education and the denying of student loan relief. In the face of such DEI rollbacks, the Coalition calls for greater commitment to promote diversity.
Concern was also expressed about the impact of these changes on students, such as raising the barriers to STEM degree attainment, specifically for underrepresented students from low-income communities. The resulting impact of such a barrier may not be seen until years later when the imbalance of representation can be observed.
Organizations are working collectively to have a greater impact
The 50K Coalition is comprised of engineering societies, educational institutions, and other partners. Founded in 2015 the organizations behind it are the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
The 50K Coalition’s Impact Reportoffers a window into the collective efforts of these organizations. Together they have the mission tobolster undergraduate support and retention, strengthen the connections between community colleges and four-year engineering programs, support K-12 STEM students, and foster an inclusive culture and climate within engineering institutions.
