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| Paper: |
Astronomy for Equity: Providing Opportunities for Marginalized Communities with Astronomy |
| Volume: |
537, ASP 2022: A Virtual Conference |
| Page: |
11 |
| Authors: |
Simmons, M. |
| Abstract: |
Marginalized and disadvantaged communities frequently lack opportunities in STEM education. Developing countries and rural areas often lack facilities and science educators. Minority communities, disabled people, women in many societies, and others often see no path into science, or are discouraged from trying. The larger societies also suffer from a lack of diversity in STEM fields when sub-populations are excluded, intentionally or otherwise. Astronomy touches on all STEM fields and is accessible to everyone, with the natural laboratory above us all. It is also a science of interest to just about everyone, and is a part of every culture. Astronomy for Equity (A4E) programs use astronomy to provide opportunities in STEM for marginalized and isolated communities in both formal education and public outreach. Existing programs are supported through crowdfunding and augmented with resources that organizers don't have access to. For example, a well-organized NGO in Libya with Ministry of Education support created middle school astronomy clubs in five cities but were unable to obtain telescopes. A4E ran a successful crowdfunding campaign to purchase telescopes and have them shipped to Libya. Astronomy for Equity also creates new programs utilizing existing resources and expertise that don't reach marginalized communities. An example is astronomy for the blind and visually impaired (B/VI), an area with many existing 2D and 3D resources that allow the B/VI to understand and learn about astronomy. Few people know about these resources, however, or how to do outreach with the B/VI. A4E is bringing experts, resources, and interested outreach groups together in a community for sharing and mentoring. Many more programs are in the planning stage, all utilizing existing resources and expertise in new and innovative ways. |
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