Cultivating a Sense of Belonging - 
in STEM and Beyond
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence Grant at Gustavus Adolphus College

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is a nonprofit medical research organization whose goals are to improve biomedical research and scientific education in the United States. Every four years HHMI invites undergraduate programs to receive funds to support scientific education. Gustavus is is a member of the third cohort of recipients (IE3). The project began in 2020 and will continue through 2028. Work supported by this grant expands inclusive teaching practices across campus and rewards faculty and departments who engage in inclusive teaching, with the aim of improving students' sense of belonging and better serving Gustavus students from all backgrounds and identities.

Currently, funds are being used to support several initiatives:

  • Cultivating students as agents of inclusion in classrooms and laboratories
  • Embedding inclusive practices in courses and supporting faculty in making changes to their courses
  • Developing and expanding equity and inclusion across curricula and supporting departments in making change
  • Collecting data and narratives about student experiences, faculty practices, and curricula
  • Improving systems to recognize and reward inclusive excellence in teaching
Click here for Spring 2024 Opportunities for Faculty and Departments