Innovation drives the economy. Careers in STEM—subjects collectively known as Science, Technology, Engineering & Math—are growing. But women and minorities are underrepresented, and the greatest disparity is among black females due to unconscious bias and stereotypes.
Diversity in STEM careers has always been a problem with underrepresentation of women and minorities. Among all race and gender gaps, black females show the greatest disparity.
We need every student to have access to afterschool STEM, regardless of gender or race.
Why isn't it working?
There is a lack of diversity, unconscious bias and stereotypes in school systems. For example, some people believe that “boys are better than girls in math” and “whites are smarter than blacks.” Because of such beliefs, black females are most affected by gender and race discriminatory practices.
The diversity problem begins with our K-12 schools. For example, among all courses, computer science has the worst gender and race gap. 78% of students enrolled in the course are males, but only 22% are females. Minority students enrolled is only 13%, which is highly underrepresented. This problem extends to the workforce, in which there is a lack of diversity, especially among black females.
Why does it matter?
STEM builds the skills our society needs. STEM courses help build the knowledge and skills necessary to problem solve systematically, process information logically, draw reasonable conclusions, make decisions based on evidence, and discover creative solutions.
How does it work?
Students benefit from regular STEM opportunities. Afterschool and summer programs offer more time for youth to be immersed in STEM and teach them useful skills.
What can we do?
We can make access to STEM learning opportunities fair and available to all students. SHE Empowers ensures that black female students will have access to afterschool and summer STEM programs, by providing...
· hands-on experience
· excitement
· role models & mentorship
· encouragement.
You can also help.
1. Donate
· Help bring more STEM programs to communities.
2. Be a role model & mentor
· Black female students need to see minorities in IT, engineering, technology, mathematics & medical career fields, so that they can see themselves in those jobs.
3. Be a volunteer & partner
· Give your time and resources.
S.H.E. Empowers is committed to improving the education for black female students.
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