K-State College of Architecture, Planning & Design nationally recognized by Insight Into Diversity magazine
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's College of Architecture, Planning & Design received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine for its support of underrepresented students entering STEM fields.
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. The College of Architecture, Planning & Design will be featured, along with 82 other recipients, in the September 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.
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.
"We are honored to be recognized nationally for APDesign's work to broaden participation in the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture and design, industrial design, planning, and community development," said Katie Kingery-Page, professor and associate dean for the college. "This recognition would not be possible without the philanthropic support of APDesign alumni and friends, as well as the tireless efforts of our student success team."
Insight Into Diversity magazine selected APDesign because of its innovative Society We Serve initiative. Through this initiative, APDesign has doubled outreach activities with underserved K-12 students and has provided mentoring, enrichment and scholarship support to students in the college.
"We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said 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."
Key achievements from the Society We Serve initiative include:
• Summer bridge experiences: APDesign now participates in two summer bridge programs, MAPS and Kompass. MAPS is a four-week program that acquaints students with university resources and includes a class that counts toward their degree. Kompass is a one-week program focused on study skills, time management, and building connections within APDesign and K-State. Both programs include mentoring throughout the year and a scholarship.
• Retention scholarships: The initiative has awarded more than $240,000 in retention scholarships to underserved students, achieving a retention rate of more than 93% for scholarship recipients. Scholarship amounts typically range from $150 to $1,000, covering just-in-time needs such as field trip expenses and technology purchases. All low-income students in the college may apply for these awards.
• Mentoring and enrichment: MAPS and Kompass students are matched with a peer mentor before starting their programs, and this support continues throughout their first year. This mentorship supplements the peer-educator support provided to all incoming design undergraduates in the college.
• Expanded outreach activities: Through the initiative, the college has expanded its outreach activities to raise awareness of relevant professions among school-aged children and youth. APDesign now collaborates with more than seven community partners annually. APDesign has also expanded financial access to its Manhattan campus summer camp and offers dedicated on-site camp experiences in the Kansas City Metro area through Johnson County Community College and the National Organization of Minority Architects KC Chapter.
"In our pursuit of excellence in architecture, planning and design, diversity is not just an ideal but a critical component," said Michael McClure, professor and dean of the college. "The APDesign Society We Serve initiative plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued, and we are proud to support and advance this mission."
