Summary of the ACCESS+ Initiative

This document is a summary of the ACCESS+ Initiative (NSF ADVANCE Partnership grant #2017953), outlining its rationale, goals, theory of change, and anticipated impact. It frames the challenge as not a lack of evidence-based DEI strategies, but inconsistent awareness and adoption within STEM professional societies (ProSs). The initiative leverages “Boundary Spanners”—individuals who connect organizations, translate DEI resources, and build coalitions—to accelerate adoption of proven, gender-focused DEI policies and practices.

Key elements include:

• Partners – WEPAN, AIM Network, ARC Network, Aspire Alliance, and the ACCESS Project.
• Objectives – Map the DEI landscape through a self-assessment across 30+ ProSs; host annual convenings to develop society-specific DEI action plans; and build a Community of Practice to support implementation.
• Intellectual Merit – First known gender-focused DEI environmental scan of STEM professional societies, guided by expert advisory boards.
• Broad Impact – Expand DEI influence within societies and across academia, industry, accrediting bodies, government, and national initiatives like CESSE, INCLUDES, and SEA Change.