Why Curtis?

Why you should join JLC.

The Dr. James L. Curtis Institute is more than just another institute membership, it’s a pathway towards a greater understanding of who you are and your role in society.

In the early 1940s, Dr. James L. Curtis was the only Black student in many of his classes. He founded the James L. Curtis Institute for Race and Belonging to celebrate the brilliance and resilience of students of color who lead in STEM fields, and to educate allies on the importance of diverse representation in STEM professions.

JLC is an experiential, student-centric approach to learning about race and belonging. It allows its members to investigate ways towards making the world a more equitable place for all. In this, JLC provides students with the opportunity to explore, learn and grow by exposing its members to academically stimulating, and socially fulfilling participation.

Through a combination of workshops, self-guided badges, and certificates in addition to hands-on learning, students will learn how to constructively advocate for the issues that matter to them. Joining JLC allows each of its members to grow in an environment that is devoted to race and belonging while focusing on making the world a better place.