Revitalizing STEM Education for Black Students: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Diversity

STEM education programs in K–12 schools, especially those focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, have historically been considered pathways to the technology workforce. While initiatives like Girls Who Code and NASA’s Next Gen STEM have made significant strides, there is a pressing need for more targeted efforts to increase diversity, particularly among Black students.

Despite the promise of such programs, the Pew Research Center reports that only 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees in 2018 were earned by Black students, compared to 10 percent of all bachelor's degrees. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, with Black and Hispanic students experiencing sharper declines in fourth-grade math test scores, potentially jeopardizing future STEM career pursuits.

While nonprofits have played a crucial role in enhancing diversity in STEM, businesses can contribute by initiating focused efforts to encourage Black student participation. A McKinsey analysis reveals that only 20 percent of Fortune 100 companies have K–12 STEM partnerships targeting students in underserved communities.

To meet students where they are, businesses can underwrite technology courses or conduct information sessions in predominantly Black communities. Research indicates that fostering a sense of belonging in education positively impacts academic retention, making STEM programs in schools with a high population of Black students essential to bridging future talent gaps in the tech industry.

A recent Pew Research survey underscores the need for increased visibility of Black talent in STEM fields. While the percentage of Black adults perceiving success in fields like professional athletics and music is high, it lags significantly behind in STEM. Community-focused approaches and exposure to both companies and role models become critical for students lacking tech role models.

Nonprofits, such as MITRE, have been at the forefront of bringing STEM awareness to Black communities. MITRE's initiatives, including providing 40 paid hours of "civic duty" for employees to participate in K–12 programs in Black and Hispanic communities, have exposed thousands of students and their parents to STEM opportunities.

While encouraging employees to participate in volunteer programs, companies must ensure they do not burden Black employees or make participation a prerequisite for promotion. Emphasizing engagement in racial-equity efforts for employees of all races is essential to fostering a more inclusive and diverse STEM landscape.