NWTC Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’s 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College received the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine; a national recognition by the largest and longest-standing DEI publication within higher education. 

The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“NWTC is committed to advance workforce equity and remove barriers to higher education. We are truly honored for this recognition of that work,” said NWTC Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Sara Lam. “Thank you to our employees, students, and partners for their support and dedication in making it possible. This is a true moment of celebration for all. Together, we will continue to move forward.” 

The award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine awarded NWTC’s Bilingual Cohort, an initiative to support bilingual, Spanish-speaking students through every step of their academic journey – from recruitment and enrollment to course taking and graduation.

“NWTC’s Bilingual Cohort model has been a great success,” said NWTC Associate Dean of Trades & Engineering Technologies, Jill Thiede. “It provides a sense of belonging and inclusion and promotes peer collaboration for students progressing through STEM programs. We are continuing to evolve this program to meet students where they are at and provide support that will enable them to be successful.”

Piloted in 2021, the College launched an identity-and language-based cohort model for bilingual students to progress through NWTC’s Industrial Maintenance Certificate with a group of peers and embedded Spanish-speaking coaches.

“This framework creates an inclusive and supportive environment for students with perceived language barriers to earn college credit, explore high-wage careers, and succeed at the postsecondary level,” said Thiede. 

With high student success, NWTC is scaling this model to other high-wage and high-demand career areas within the College. 

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

NWTC is featured, along with 79 other recipients, in the September 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

More information about the 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine: insightintodiversity.com


About INSIGHT Into Diversity 
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today and is known for its annual INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, the only award that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion in higher education and beyond. Articles include interviews with innovators and experts, as well as explorations of best practices and profiles of exemplary programs. In our Career Center, readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine are available online: insightintodiversity.com