Backstory Strengthening the academic pipeline for underrepresented students via exposure to education

To foster equity, inclusion, and diversity within engineering departments' graduate student populations, active support of traditionally underrepresented undergraduates early in their academic journey is essential. Here, we outline the efforts of the Stanford Engineering Research Introductions Organization (SERIO) to address systemic barriers, encourage early engagement with research opportunities, and prepare early-stage underrepresented students for admission to engineering graduate programs. We highlight new pathways for institutions to foster their underrepresented undergraduate student population and facilitate their pursuit of advanced engineering education.