In the brief, we provide an overview of several definitions and approaches to systems change, discuss the NSF INCLUDES vision for systems change, and illustrate how a systems change framework, developed by FSG, can be applied to the NSF INCLUDES design elements of collaborative infrastructure and associated broadening participation outcomes.
The approaches we discuss in the brief are not exhaustive, but they use the context of the NSF INCLUDES National Network to demonstrate how systems change occurs, looking at examples from different programs and institutions. We hope this information will deepen readers’ understanding about the levels of systems change, and how their own efforts to broaden participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) reflect the principles of systems change.