At TRSA, we state unequivocally that Black Lives Matter. 

We stand in solidarity with our black students, educators, leaders, and STEM professionals in the fight against systemic racism in our schools, communities, and professional arenas. We stand in support of the black community. 

However, matter is the minimum.

Black lives inspire.

Black lives create. 

Black lives collaborate.

Our mission proudly states that we strive toward building broad, deep, and innovative STEM pathways for all students to access high-impact careers. Our organization is built on the vision of an abundance of diverse STEM talent.  

We recognize there are entrenched and systemic barriers against people of color in this country that limit their access to, and opportunities for, taking their needed roles in STEM careers. Clearly, those barriers prevent our friends of color from solving the STEM-related challenges of their communities.

We are pausing to reflect and listen to ways TRSA can double down on accomplishing its mission with the black community. We will critically reflect on the diversity of our staff team, our board of directors, and our service providers. We will revisit our processes for authentic stakeholder engagement and transparent analysis of our participation demographics as well as work with our alliance partners to interrupt the status quo patterns that contribute to the lack of access and opportunity for the black community. 

In the next few months, we hope you will engage with us as we chart a path forward that ensures our organization lives up to the measure of its mission.