BE STEM was created to support the work of the University’s NSF INCLUDES team. The INCLUDES team was awarded $10 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) as an elite Alliance Award to conduct this work. BE STEM is the lead organization in this Alliance. BE STEM will form a national network of precollege STEM programs and an evidence-based pathway for University admissions – precollege STEM program accreditation. Given the high enrollment of students from underrepresented groups in precollege STEM programs, the Alliance endeavors to broaden participation in STEM by maximizing college access and STEM outcomes in higher education and beyond.The BE STEM Center will leverage the expertise already established at the University of Pittsburgh through programs such as BRIDGES, RISE, Student Support Services (SSS),WiCStart, and other initiatives on campus to connect people and resources centered on broadening equity, increasing diversity, broader impacts, and supporting minoritized students in STEM disciplines.The center will support Pitt faculty and staff in the design and implementation of grant-funded broadening participation initiatives, and by further connecting Pitt with local and regional organizations working to improve issues around equity and access in education.