About the Center

The mission of the Center for Leadership and Diversity in STEM is to increase the recruitment and retention of under-represented populations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This mission is aligned with the national need to increase the number of STEM experts, for a shortage of talent threatens the country’s ability to drive innovation, compete internationally, and protect national security. 

The United States Military Academy at West Point is one of the country’s most highly regarded undergraduate engineering schools, requiring competency in STEM among all its cadets. While West Point has always placed a strong emphasis on STEM, it recognizes the urgent need to do more to increase diversity and innovation in the STEM workforce. The Center has developed a comprehensive program that extends from the middle school level up through the graduate and professional level, seeking to build an overall stronger STEM career path.