CITRIS EDGE in Technology Initiative

Expanding Diversity and Gender Equity in Tech

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.

The Expanding Diversity and Gender Equity in Tech (EDGE in Tech)™ Initiative at the University of California is committed to addressing the challenges faced by women and other under-included identities in the engineering and computer science fields. Led in partnership between CITRIS and Berkeley Engineering, EDGE in Tech serves as a trusted center and resource that integrates research with action.

Despite significant efforts to increase the enrollment and graduation rate of female-identifying students and under-represented minorities in STEM disciplines, the high attrition rate of such engineers and tech professionals in the industry is a looming threat to the U.S. economy. Improving workplace practices to increase inclusion and belonging will prevent many from leaving promising careers.

EDGE in Tech’s goal is to identify and reduce systemic barriers to equitable participation, persistence, and advancement for all. We strive for a world in which women and all identities in technical fields are proportionately represented and equitably compensated throughout the professional ranks in the industry, academia, and the public sector.

Your gift can make a difference!

A gift to EDGE in Tech would support our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts, including, but not limited to:

RESEARCH EXPERIENCES

Research Onramps: Expand undergraduate research opportunities and increase paid positions.
- URAP & Data Discovery: Applied research on persistence in STEM, inclusive mentoring, scoring universities on equity with Gender Fair, and analyzing data on notable women at Cal (150W).
- Internships: Work-study and stipends targeting underrepresented students for project leadership
Student Courses: Support professional development, inclusive innovation, and persistence in STEM.
- DeCal course to showcase inclusive pathways into tech, meet role models, and provide job skills, interview preparation, and effective resumes and networking.
- SCET Challenge Lab in the Spring of 2022 on Opportunity Tech and the Future of Work Lab to inspire startups to promote equitable access to opportunities for future work.

CAREER ONRAMPS

Annual Diversity in Tech Symposium: Attend the annual Symposium, EDGE in Tech’s flagship event for panels, keynotes, and career opportunities in high-growth tech sectors. The next Diversity in Tech Symposium will be on Advancing Climate Resilience and will take place March 10-11, 2022.
EDGE in Tech Athena Awards: Help recognize those who embody, encourage, and promote the inclusion of women and BIPOC in STEM. Nominations for inspiring executives, academic leaders, early-career tech stars, and organizations supporting the next generation, are open to all candidates regardless of gender, age, country, and institutional affiliation.

EQUITABLE WORKPLACES

EDGE in Tech Leadership Roundtables: A bi-annual gathering of influential leaders from leading tech companies committed to knowledge sharing and best practices to develop equitable workplaces and sustainable solutions to attract, retain, and advance women and BIPOC in technology.
Monthly Webinar Series: Engage with Berkeley Global collaboration on HR Expert Seminar Certificate and ongoing Leaders in DEI Series for professional development for current HR professionals and aspiring DEI student leaders.

We invite you to consider making a gift before this campaign ends, on December 31, 2021, and help us increase the impact of this important initiative.

QUESTIONS?