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Equity Diversity, and Inclusion Travel Award

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) travel award aims to enhance the understanding of EDI to graduate students by supporting travel to a conference or workshop on gender equity in STEM.

Value of the Award

The value of the award is up to $3000 to cover eligible travel expenses according to the McMaster travel policy.  Expenses with appropriate receipts will be covered up to the maximum value of the award.

Eligibility

  • Must be a full-time graduate student in McMaster Engineering, either domestic or international, at the time of application and the time of travel
  • Must be in good standing with your department
  • May not have received the award previously
  • May not be used in combination with other GSA or Engineering travel awards
  • Award cannot be used for expenses related to fieldwork
  • Must be able to demonstrate interest, involvement, and/or commitment to equity issues in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
  • Preference will be given to PhD students and those nearing graduation but all will be considered

 

Requirements

Award recipients must travel within the fiscal year of the award, ending April 30th.  The conference or workshop must be approved by the Women in Engineering Committee prior to travel and that conference may not be changed.  The travel expenses must comply with the McMaster travel policy and only expenses with appropriate receipts will be covered.  Awardees should familiarize themselves with the travel policy prior to their trip.

 

A 5-minute (maximum) video or written blog with at least 1 photo must be provided to the committee at the time that expenses are declared in order to receive the award.  The blog is intended to disclose highlights at the conference, providing new ideas to be implemented at McMaster and may include interviews with conference participants or personal reflections. McMaster Engineering may feature your submissions on our Fireball Diaries student stories platform, or in future promotion of the travel award. The awardee also agrees to participate in the committee in an on-going basis to help develop internal policies in the faculty that examine equity and inclusion, and to participate in other events, where possible (including potential panel discussions put on by the EGS or Faculty).

 

How to Apply

To apply for the EDI travel award, please fill this Microsoft form: https://forms.office.com/r/BgpHB2b71A

Submission Deadline

Applications are due by June 30th, 2024

Travel must be during the fiscal year May 1 – April 30.   Information on McMaster’s travel policy are outlined in the following:

https://financial-affairs.mcmaster.ca/services/accounts-payable-reimbursements/travel-resources/

 

Eligible Conferences

  1. American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Conference (San Antonio, TX, October 3-5, 2024):
    • The AISES conference focuses on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in STEM studies and careers. Includes the largest college and career fair in the U.S. for Indigenous students and professionals. Exhibitors represent a diverse range of corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, Tribes, and Indigenous-owned businesses. Intrsuctions for submitting session or research proposals can be submitted here. Register here
  2. CSforALL Summit (Milwaukee, WI, October 23-25, 2024):

    • The summit theme is “Game Changers in CS”, exploring ways to shift the movement to ensure computer science is an equitable and sustainable part of the K-12 experience. The Summit will feature high-level conversations with national thought leaders highlighting strategies for equity, removing barriers to access, and building meaningful engagement for all students. Call for 2024 Commitments is open until September 12, 2024. Register here

  3. Society of Women Engineers Conference (Chicago, IL, October 24-26, 2024):

    • WE22 is the largest conference for Women Engineers. This year’s theme is “A World of Opportunity Awaits.” Learn, network, and be inspired by diverse women in the fields of technology and engineering. Receive 15% off your registration now through Aug. 31 with the code WE24EARLY15. Register here
  4. Canadian Indigenous Science and Engineering Society National Gathering (Location TBD, May 2025)
    • AISES gives Canadian Indigenous STEM students and professionals an opportunity to gather, connect, and create long-lasting relationships within Canada through its national gatherings. Stay tuned for details regarding specific conference dates and registration options. Conference website
  5. National Society of Black Engineers Convention (Location TBD, March 2025)
    • Stay tuned for details regarding convention dates and registration options. Please take a look at the NSBE Website: http://convention.nsbe.org/