Future Ignited
The goal of FUTURE Ignited is to diversify STEM and to support the ambitions of aspiring young scientists who identify as students of color* who will go on to become part of a diverse generation of scientific leaders in their respective fields. This one-day virtual conference will provide insight into the life of a graduate student, how to prepare a successful graduate school application, and introduce you to the exciting research opportunities at Caltech. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in science discussions with current graduate students of color and faculty on topics ranging from challenges, research topics, building community, the application process, and more.
FUTURE Ignited will be held virtually on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 12:00 – 6:00 pm PST.
Nominations
Nominations should be from a faculty member who has advised and/or taught the nominee or from other mentors, advisors, and postdoctoral scholars who have worked with the nominee in a scientific capacity. Nominations will open in August 2022.
Eligibility
We encourage nominations of students of color who are interested in pursuing a PhD in the next 1-2 years. This includes rising junior or senior undergraduates and post-baccalaureate students. Nominees should have an interest in one of the graduate school options at Caltech.
*While not holistically ideal, we use an inclusive definition of "students of color" to include those who have been historically underrepresented in STEM including, but not limited to: African American/Black, Latin(x), Native/Indigenous/First Nation, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. The objective of reaching students of color specifically with the intention to increase interest and access to Caltech. With the context of creating inclusivity and belonging, we have the intention of community building and engaging with populations that identify as non-white who have been underrepresented in STEM. It is also necessary to think about the complex historic context for different populations in accessing higher education and engagement in STEM.
It is important to acknowledge the overlap with underrepresented or underserved minorities and historically marginalized populations, but within the limits of the FUTURE Ignited program, the goal is to focus on the experiences of people of color. That does mean that there is less emphasis on some underrepresented populations in college and STEM, like first-generation and low-income students, though there are often intersections within these identities. It is appropriate to include international students of color, with the knowledge that people of color often face the same level of bias and racism because of their skin color regardless of their country of origin, though many international populations are not underrepresented in STEM.
Why are you focusing on students of color?
The objective of reaching students of color specifically with the intention to increase interest and access to Caltech. With the context of creating inclusivity and belonging, we have the intention of community building and engaging with populations that identify as non-white who have been underrepresented in STEM. It is also necessary to think about the complex historic context for different populations in accessing higher education and engagement in STEM. While not holistically ideal, we use an inclusive definition of "students of color" to include those who have been historically underrepresented in STEM including, but not limited to: African American/Black, Latin(x), Native/Indigenous/First Nation, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
Are international students considered students of color?
It is appropriate to include international students of color, with the knowledge that people of color often face the same level of bias and racism because of their skin color regardless of their country of origin, though many international populations are not underrepresented in STEM. While not holistically ideal, we use an inclusive definition of "students of color" to include those who have been historically underrepresented in STEM including, but not limited to: African American/Black, Latin(x), Native/Indigenous/First Nation, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
Can post-baccalaureates be nominated?
Yes. We encourage nominations of students of color who are interested in pursuing a PhD in the next 1-2 years. This includes rising Junior or Senior Undergraduate students of color and post-baccalaureate students.