Expanding opportunity: Chemistry, Math and the future of STEM at UC

This report examines how introductory chemistry and mathematics courses—essential gateways to STEM—can also act as barriers, especially for students from historically excluded communities. It highlights UC’s responsibility as a public research system and minority-serving institution to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in STEM fields. 

Campus case studies show how faculty are redesigning course sequences, applying real-world instruction, expanding peer mentoring, and piloting new grading models. The report underscores that lasting progress depends on systemwide coordination and sustained investment, positioning UC to lead in building a more inclusive and effective model of undergraduate STEM education. 

The report also includes six appendices that provide detail and resources for further exploration. These include campus-level innovations, a summary of redesigned courses, an overview of grant support, descriptions of multi-campus collaborations, and a collection of shareable teaching and learning resources.