About Our Programs

INSIST 2024 was funded by Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners (NNL), an Innovative NSF-funded Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) project. NNL provides hands-on experiences in neuroscience disciplines, networking opportunities, and resources to high school and early postsecondary students identified as “neurodivergent” learners—those with academic challenges related to conditions such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette syndrome—and disseminates findings to teachers of courses that are related to neuroscience and, more broadly, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The goal of NNL is to enhance student interest in and skills to successfully pursue STEM fields, as well as empower educators to serve these students more effectively.

The Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Alliance of Students with Disabilities for Inclusion, Networking, and Transition Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (TAPDINTO-STEM) collaborated with NNL to help provide mentors, select topics, and recruit from a nation-wide pool of neurodivergent STEM students with disabilities. TAPDINTO-STEM employs a collective impact approach with dozens of partnering institutions across the U.S. to increase the number of students with disabilities who complete associate, baccalaureate and graduate STEM degrees and enter the STEM workforce.