Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

Our session focuses on how to create a sustainable model for providing a STEM education and opportunities (research, industry related, or high education) with a focus on marginalized student groups.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) empowers women in engineering and technology, improving quality of life and promoting diversity. SWE's global network shares best practices, raises awareness, and supports SDG 5. Jennifer Scott, EVP of Partnerships and Events, will highlight SWE's contributions through collaborations on recruitment, scholarships for education, and reducing inequities through employer partnerships.

Simply Neuroscience is a non-profit organization that promotes early interest in neuroscience and psychology among students globally. Through free online workshops, mentorship, and learning opportunities, they aim to provide inclusive and equitable quality education, focusing on SDG 4. The organization also strives to bridge access to neuroscience for students from diverse backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on reducing educational inequalities and promoting women in STEM, aligning with SDG 5.

The Youth Mentorship Project is an international nonprofit that focuses on providing STEM mentorship and guidance to younger students in industry and acadamia. Nishka Sharma will be discussing how they use their 4 method process to achieve this growth for mothe mentors and students.  

Bharat AI Labs (BAIL) focuses on promoting SDG 4 by supporting marginalized groups internationally, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Tushar Gupta, an IIT Delhi graduate at Siemens EDA, works on a financial model to advance SDG 10 and will share insights on adapting a similar model.

Fair Opportunity Project (FOP) is a national nonprofit focused on helping underserved students attend and afford college. They provide personalized mentorship, essay reviews, advising, and financial aid coaching. Miranda Rizzolo, the Director of Student Experience, will discuss how FOP contributes to UN SDGs 4 and 10 by ensuring students have access to quality college guidance, preventing unaffordable college choices, and leveling the playing field in college admissions.

Encouraging Engineering Exploration (EEE) is an organization that aims to instill a passion for engineering in underprivileged future engineers through workshops and creative engineering initiatives. Vaughn Khouri, the organization's founder, will highlight how EEE promotes quality education (SDG 4), sustainability with recycled materials (SDG 11), and gender equality (SDG 5) through hands-on activities and workshops.

Dr. Sarita Sindhu, a PhD in History and principal of SureVin International, co-authored "STEM Education in Rural Areas: Challenges and Innovative Approaches," focusing on SDGs 4 and 10. She also co-authored "Structured Program for STEM Skills and Leadership Development via Real-World Problem-Solving in Robotics Competitions," targeting SDG 5 to develop young girls as STEM leaders in rural regions.

Dr. R S Sindhu, Dr. Abhinav Bansal, and Col Sanjeet Sirohi are all dedicated to addressing SDG 4. Dr. R S Sindhu, Head of International Relations at the NCERT in India, coordinates programs and research to improve science education for marginalized students. Dr. Abhinav Bansal, an assistant professor at RKGIT in India, focuses on the impact of marginalization in higher education and strategies to combat it.

Colonel Sanjeet Sirohi, a TEDx speaker, security expert, and news analyst, emphasizes the importance of soft skills in STEM education for marginalized groups to achieve career success.