What is AccessSTEM CAREERS?

AccessSTEM CAREERS is a project of the Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology Center (DO-IT) at the University of Washington.

AccessSTEM CAREERS promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to students with disabilities in the Seattle area and works with career centers at local colleges to make their offerings welcoming and accessible to students with disabilities. Project partners include the University of Washington, Bellevue College, and the Seattle Community College District. The project offers activities for students, employers, and local postsecondary career centers:

• Project activities for students with disabilities include visits to STEM research labs, resume-writing workshops, student competitions, hands-on engagement with assistive technology, and exploration of resources. Online and in-person, students engage with mentors in mock interviews, job shadows, internships, and other work-based learning activities.
• Project activities for employers include opportunities to address student questions and interests regarding career development, STEM academic programs, internships, and labor market trends. Employer mentors have access to student resumes, learn about good candidates for internships and jobs, and host work-based learning experiences.
• Project activities for postsecondary career centers include opportunities to engage in professional development and online discussions about making career services welcoming and accessible to students with disabilities. Student leaders help career counselors conduct accessibility reviews of career center facilities, products, resources, and services.

AccessSTEM CAREERS was initially funded by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF). MEAF works to make changes for the better in society by investing in innovative strategies to empower youth with disabilities to lead productive lives.

To learn more, visit the AccessSTEM CAREERS website.