Fulfilling the PROMISE: why we must continue programs to broaden participation in STEM

The PROMISE program, a long-standing initiative focused on broadening participation in the STEM professoriate, has demonstrated over two decades of evolution and institutionalization. It achieves its objectives by cultivating intentional mentoring ecosystems for graduate students and postdocs. This analysis highlights PROMISE's origins, sustained impact, and adaptability, underscoring the critical need for continued efforts to promote diversity in STEM, especially in the current climate.

Why it matters

Broadening participation in STEM is crucial for fostering innovation, ensuring equitable representation, and addressing complex global challenges that benefit from diverse perspectives. Programs like PROMISE provide a proven model for cultivating talent pipelines and developing inclusive academic environments, contributing to long-term societal and economic advancement.

Key insights

• PROMISE is an institutionalized program with over 20 years of history, aiming to broaden participation in the STEM professoriate.
• The program focuses on cultivating intentional mentoring ecosystems for graduate students and postdocs.
• The article synthesizes perspectives from various stakeholders, including founders ("Ignitors"), current stewards ("Torchbearers"), impact researchers ("Illuminators"), and early-career participants ("Flamekeepers").
• It addresses the reasons behind the initiation, sustenance, evolution, and persistence of PROMISE.
• The piece emphasizes the ongoing need for such efforts in the context of recent events, including the passing of a PROMISE founder and current national discourse on diversity.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1894086