“But you’re the exception of course.” A phrase heard by many underrepresented
students in STEM fields was the starting point of Stephanie Tang’s (CEO) journey
to create the Percentage Project.
The story began on Tang's second day as a freshman at the University of
Pennsylvania when she reconnected with a former acquaintance. What started as a
friendly conversation quickly took a turn when the individual remarked that
women and Black students in engineering did not belong—though Tang, in their
eyes, was an exception. On one hand, the comment acknowledged Tang’s
competence, but on the other, it perpetuated the belief that there were certain
groups not suited for the field. The unsettling comment, while jarring, was merely
a precursor to numerous similar experiences Tang would encounter during their
academic journey – an experience many can relate to.
Tang recalls that over time these incidents painted a clearer picture of a bigger
problem. Peers expressed dissatisfaction with having women on their teams, and
what had started as a reasonably gender-diverse cohort dwindled by the end of
Tang's first year to just two women—herself and one other student. This led to an
isolating environment with few who could truly empathize with her experience.
Seeking support, Tang joined the Women in Computer Science (WiCS)
organization, where the foundational concept for the Percentage Project was
conceived. Inspired by AnitaB.org’s workplace evaluations, which assess how
supportive companies are for women, Tang and her friends envisioned a similar
initiative for their academic institution. With the backing of the computer science
department, they conducted a survey designed to capture experiences across
diverse demographics.
The survey results were revealing, exposing significant disparities in student
experiences, including feelings of belonging and encounters with discrimination.
However, recognizing that raw data alone might not fully engage the community,
Tang and her team devised a creative approach to present their findings. They
launched a photo campaign featuring students alongside statistical data points that
reflected their personal experiences.
The campaign gained considerable traction both on campus and across social
media platforms. The initiative's success sparked interest from other institutions,
including Duke University, where a student reached out to Tang for guidance in
establishing a similar program. With her support, Duke successfully implemented
their version, and additional schools soon followed.
As the project expanded, its scope evolved beyond merely identifying issues to
actively pursue solutions. At the University of Pennsylvania, the Percentage Project
data was presented at a diversity summit. This presentation catalyzed substantive
changes, including the restructuring of the teaching assistant hiring process to
reduce bias and the creation of more research opportunities for underrepresented
students.
“We realized we could create change by turning data into action,” Tang explains.
“It wasn’t just about raising awareness.”
Over subsequent years, the project has continued to develop. While the photo
campaign remains central, efforts increasingly focused on fostering actionable
outcomes. The team produced detailed guides to help other institutions launch
their own initiatives and established mechanisms to gather feedback and
strengthen students' sense of belonging.
Tang notes that they want to move beyond identifying problems. The central
question becomes how to empower institutions to address these issues effectively.
The Percentage Project aims to leverage advanced data analysis techniques to
evaluate the effectiveness of different diversity and inclusion initiatives. Factors
such as school size and specific program characteristics could inform a
recommendation system designed to share best practices among institutions.
Reflecting on the journey from that initial disconcerting conversation to leading a
nationwide movement, Tang acknowledges both the challenges and achievements
encountered along the way. The Percentage Project stands as a testament to the
power of data-driven storytelling and its potential to drive meaningful change.
As Tang considers the future, one thing remains clear: the mission is ongoing. With
each data point, campaign, and action plan, the Percentage Project continues to
pave the way for more inclusive and equitable academic environments where all
students can thrive. s sc
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