Mission, Vision, and Learning Objectives

Mission Statement

The James L. Curtis Institute for Race and Belonging promotes inclusive access to STEM knowledge, credentials, and professions at Albion College and in every community that matters to our members.

Vision

Our vision is to center STEM instruction and learning as the foundation for radical hope, reparative action, authentic community engagement, and the pursuit of a more racially just world.

Learning Objectives

The Curtis Institute of Race and Belonging offers cultural, social, and co-curricular programs and contributes in varying ways to an academic engagement with key focus on STEM, which includes curriculum development, research, and a regular lecture series. Additionally, the programs and initiatives of the Curtis Institute will assist to recruit and retain and develop creative measures to engage diverse student populations at Albion College.

We offer a number of programming and learning initiatives to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to effectively create change in your community. Our main area of focus is cultivating a diverse population in STEM, however full inclusion in the human experience regardless of identity for all people is our goal.

It will accomplish this goal through the development of interdisciplinary scholarship, course development, and effective programming that will inspire teaching and learning that continues the critical engagement with regional, national and global issues of race and belonging for every Albion College graduate.

We teach to the entire student – visuals, sounds, lived experiences, and most importantly, your voice is utilized in creating learning environments that suit your needs.

“My life story expresses my personal set of choices at various times of my life to make the best of historical opportunities presented to me to help build a more completely inclusive American society.”

Dr. James L. Curtis

Graduating members will be able to:

  • Serve as catalysts and champions for diversifying STEM knowledge, majors, careers, and activism.
  • Educate others on the history, practices and possibilities of STEM for solving pressing social issues.
  • Apply appropriate STEM concepts in analyzing and resisting racism, white supremacy and racial injustice.
  • Develop interdisciplinary partnerships that celebrate diverse ways of knowing, achieving, and teaching in STEM fields.