SEA Change Awards recognize institutions of higher education and the units within them for identifying and addressing barriers that will enhance student and faculty success, and for fostering resilience in ways that align with each institution's unique mission and goals.
Led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific societies with a decades-long history of advancing science & serving society, the SEA Change Awards are a peer-reviewed recognition of excellence for institutions achieving remarkable success in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) pathways.
Building on years of work with colleges, universities, and biomedical organizations, the awards focus on progress that changes the system—policies, practices, and cultures and not just individual programs—so that more people can fully participate in STEMM.
Why does recognition matter?
Demand for expertise in STEMM across all industries is growing, yet these fields are facing a talent retention problem. The turnover rate is particularly high among undergraduate college students, graduate scholars, and faculty who face barriers that prevent them from thriving in these fields. These early departures translate to millions of dollars lost to institutions and opportunity costs for innovation and scientific progress.
Institutions and the units within them that are actively attending to removal of unfair barriers using evidence-based strategies should be recognized for their efforts, and students and professionals determining where to apply should have a way to identify the healthiest parts of the STEMM ecosystem.
On this site, you will find:
- Information about the awards – what they are, who is eligible, and how the process works.
- Recognition of awardees – current and past institutions and units that have received SEA Change Awards.
- Information about the people who lead and advise this work.
- Resources and policies that guide the program.