JASON Learning’s Ongoing Commitment to Equity
For over 30 years, JASON Learning’s mission has been “to inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.”
All of us at JASON strive to support this mission every day, through every product and program, for every student that we reach. We know that for too many students — especially those in demographics underrepresented in STEM academic achievement and STEM careers — the opportunities are more limited, the challenges are greater, and the need for access to high-quality resources, effective teaching, and inspirational role models is all the more critical.
The killing of George Floyd and the ensuing global Black Lives Matter protests have put a national spotlight back on deep-rooted issues of systemic racism and injustice. This moment in history has challenged us as individuals, organizations, and communities to reflect upon matters of racism and equity, have conversations we would not have had, ask questions that would not have been asked, and take actions that may not otherwise have been taken.
Over the past weeks, we have gone through this process at JASON. We asked ourselves, “Are we doing enough? Can we do more? Can we do better?” It has provided an opportunity for our organization to reaffirm our values and strengthen our motivation to achieve equity in STEM education. It has reinforced our commitment to and focus on the students who will benefit the most from our approach and our ongoing efforts.
And it has prompted us to action. We realized when asking ourselves those hard questions that the answers we need must come from the communities that we strive to serve: our students, teachers, district administrators, STEM role models, and community partners. The tremendous diversity that defines the JASON community has always informed our work and outreach. We recognize this moment as an opportunity to improve these feedback loops and create new practices as needed to ensure we are on the path that leads to maximum impact and change.
To this end, we are excited to announce the formation of two new advisory groups. One will represent classroom educators and will be coordinated by Jude Kesl, a long-time JASON teacher and our current Argonaut Program coordinator. The other will represent a diverse coalition of STEM career professionals, led by Dr. Jendai Robinson, a chemist and enthusiastic JASON STEM Role Model. These groups will extend our existing advisory committees comprised of superintendents and district administrators from across the country, and will also be joined periodically by students and family representatives.
We believe that educational opportunity and equity for every student is fundamental and non-negotiable. We appreciate all of your support in helping JASON make a difference in this critical piece of a large and complicated equity puzzle.
Best,
Dr. Eleanor Smalley
President & CEO
JASON Learning
