ASCEND—Adaptations for a Sustainable Climate of Excellence and Diversity—promotes the recruitment, hiring, retention, and advancement of women in STEM disciplines on the faculty with measures in three areas:
- Raising awareness of and reducing implicit bias
- Expanding social and professional networks and leadership opportunities
- Supporting work-life integration
ASCEND is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Organizational Change for Gender Equity in STEM Academic Professions (ADVANCE) program, which seeks to develop systemic approaches to increase the participation and advancement of women in academic STEM careers.