2024 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

Logic Models: How this tool can help you make the case for your DEI programs

Keywords: Faculty, Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering Technology

Are you looking for a framework that helps others visualize what you plan to achieve with your research or interventions focused on diversity and inclusion in engineering and computing? Are you being challenged by others to articulate the benefits of your project? Are you writing an early career grant, e.g. an NSF CAREER proposal? Are you interested in writing any grant in which you have to clearly define your expected outcomes and how you will achieve them? Do you need to clarify your own thinking about what your project is trying to achieve with your planned activities and how to measure those outcomes? If so, this workshop is for you.

Logic Models are useful for achieving all of these goals. A Logic Model is a simple tool that depicts the relationship between your research or educational program's activities and its intended effects or outcomes. Utilizing a Logic Model creates a concise and highly descriptive graphic that will take your proposal or program to the next level.

In this interactive session, presenters will help attendees develop the skills to build their own logic models that can be used to design and evaluate their projects. Presenters will encourage attendees to identify and articulate activities, outputs, and outcomes – both at the individual participant level and at a systemic level so that we ensure programs go beyond helping/ “fixing” marginalized individuals. Logic models are a solid tool to help ensure continuity and achievement of your project goals. Attendees will walk away with a greater level of comfort and confidence about logic models and evaluation, relevant resources, and an initial draft of their own project logic model.