The call for broadening participation in STEM is long-standing and paramount to securing the future workforce. More diverse research teams and faculties are needed to ensure greater equity and inclusion in STEM disciplines with which to educate and mentor diverse undergraduate and graduate students. MEME seeks to address the need for improved mentoring experiences for STEM faculty who identify as women and as being from historically marginalized groups in higher education. The project has established virtual mentor training and network mentoring opportunities accessible to regional Aspire Alliance's IChange Network institutions, in order to foster more inclusive and supportive climates in STEM departments.

The aim of the six Midwest institutions that make up the MEME Team, is to work towards a common goal: to develop more inclusive STEM departmental climates and cultures into which women and minoritized faculty may be better recruited, hired, retained, and advanced. To advance these change efforts, which are also championed by the Aspire Alliance, the MEME initiative will engage in collaborative, cross-institutional activities that focus on mentorship in STEM.