Driving diversity in STEM at a grassroots level

On 14 April, I was privileged to attend a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) book reading organised by one of Guidant’s most trusted diversity suppliers, Primary Talent Partners. We were also joined at the event by our client, a large electric utility, and representatives of their supplier diversity team.

Given our collective interest in supporting diverse talent into STEM careers, we all jumped at the chance to be part of this grassroots community outreach initiative. Proactive events like this one provide much needed inspiration for young minds and play a vital role in creating the next generation of engineers and scientists from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Thank you to Primary Talent Partners and everyone involved in the event for inviting us to be part of it. We are extremely proud to be supporting your work to drive diverse and inclusive careers in STEM.

About the diversity in STEM event

Primary Talent Partners teamed up with STEM author Dr. Natoshia Anderson and Above and Beyond Students (ABS) to host this fantastic event for ABS students, ranging from Kindergarten through to 5th grade, at a school that caters for Title 1 students.

Following a reading from Dr. Anderson, every child received a copy of her book ABC Engineering as well as a new pair of tennis shoes donated by Primary Talent Partners. With plenty of pizza thrown in for good measure, the reading event was a resounding success and received a huge thumbs up from the audience.

Feedback from our grassroots audience sponsor

“I have been talking non-stop about the wonderful event we had today. On the way home on the bus, the students held their shoeboxes very close to their hearts. This small act of holding the boxes tightly said to me they were grateful and loved the shoes they received.

Everyone went above and beyond today. I hope the invited guests were also inspired to see the students get excited about engineering and learning new terminology. I truly believe there were engineers in the making in the audience.

I can't say thank you enough, and I hope this is the beginning of a lasting relationship as we endeavour to educate and inspire more minds to pursue STEM careers.”

 Carmen Blackmon, Executive Director, Above and Beyond Students

How Primary Talent Partners is driving diversity in STEM

“There is a severe lack of minority representation in STEM degrees and related careers across the US. Studies show that over 40% of Black STEM students drop out of school or change majors compared to just over 20% of their white peers. Two main factors contributing to this are a lack of funding to complete their degree, and a lack of ‘feeling of belonging’.

Since we were founded, we’ve worked methodically to effect change for diverse groups looking to enter the STEM field. From scholarships and housing/clothing stipends to internships and executive mentoring, our team is committed to doing our part to level the playing field and help foster a growing and sustainable diverse STEM applicant pool. Educating, inspiring and equipping our nation’s youth is one of the most effective ways to overcome these obstacles and make a difference in the future.
Today’s book reading was a huge success. It was highly interactive and engaging. Crucially it’s just one example of the work we are doing to improve prospects specifically for Black STEM students.”

Tinisha Bookhart, Founding Partner, Primary Talent Partners

What’s next?

Guidant Global has exciting plans to further our partnerships with trusted diversity suppliers like Primary Talent Partners, and others in the staffing industry who are stepping up to drive positive, meaningful change. Together we know that we can open even more doors for under-represented talent.

Details will be announced shortly so please sign up to our newsletter by completing the form on this page to receive the latest Guidant Global updates.