How do you get more Black kids interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)?
Quite the question.
The answer will depend on who you ask.
So I asked some people.
Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, Tiffani Teachey, and Linda Hargrove.
I asked myself, too.
All engineers, Dr. Mabry is the founder of STEMedia®, an edtech and media company with a mission to elevate and empower underrepresented STEM Success. Tiffani is the founder of Thrive Edge Publishing and author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z” and the “STEM Crew Kids Adventures” series. Linda is the co-founder of STEM Dreams, whose vision is to see a marked increase of kids of color interested in STEM. I’m founder of Teach the Geek and author of the children’s book “Ask Uncle Neil: why is my hair curly?”
Dr. Mabry’s answer:
“My thoughts on getting more Black kids interested in STEM is always around reverse engineering what they are already interested in. Like, if it’s sports, then find STEM concepts that they are already engaging in but don’t realize it.”
Put the medicine in the applesauce. Maybe something other than applesauce. I don’t like applesauce.
Relating something that kids are already interested in to something else is a useful idea. Dr. Mabry example of using sports to introduce STEM concepts reminds me of an invention I patented. The inventor was Eric Parker, former wide receiver for the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers. He invented a device that football players could use to practice running their routes. The inventing process. Engineering drawings. Prototyping. The patent application process. All STEM related. A Black kid can think, “a Black football player is down with STEM? Maybe I can be, too.”
Tiffani’s answer:
“To inspire more Black kids in STEM, focus on representation, community engagement, curiosity, collaboration, and addressing systemic inequalities. Showcase diverse role models and success stories in STEM, as done in my children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z” and the “STEM Crew Kids Adventures” series. Engage with communities and establish mentorship programs. Cultivate curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity through interactive learning. Promote collaboration and teamwork in projects and clubs. Finally, address access and resource disparities to provide equal opportunities for Black students in STEM.”
Tiffani has quite a few ideas!
Black kids seeing themselves in STEM may make them more likely to pursue it.
Black kids having people to tell them about STEM and what it takes to be successful would certainly be helpful.
Curiosity is important. If they don’t care, they won’t want to learn, and a great way to get kids to care is to make learning hands-on.
STEM is a team sport. Rarely does anything get done in a vacuum, and there needs to be scientific consensus for anything to be widely accepted, so collaboration is crucial.
Want to examine a very small object? Get a microscope. Don’t have a microscope? Good luck examining that tiny object! Gotta have the resources to do the work.
Linda’s answer:
“Kids need role models, regardless of their skin color. Sometimes that role model is an engineer or scientist who looks like them. There are a ton of Black STEM role models. Show them to your kids early and often. But sometimes that role model comes in the form of a parent who is willing to encourage their curiosity with frequent visits to the local science museum or library, or by using an inexpensive science kit on ‘family night’. Larger investments in an $800 STEM summer camp are out of reach for many families but a STEM activity book from the library fits the bill.”
Linda’s on the money!
I often hear people say “you have to see it to believe it.” It’s difficult to become something you know nothing about. Don’t know anyone in STEM? You probably do, but don’t recognize it. Your family physician? STEM. Your auto mechanic? STEM. Your school’s science teacher? STEM. Start with what’s around you and then seek out other resources.
Parents’ involvement is huge. I recall being a judge at a pitch competition. Teenage Black boys were asked to develop an app to address a problem and pitch their product. There were hardly any adults at the event. I initially thought that they were asked not to attend. Not so. They just didn’t. If parents don’t think it’s a big deal, don’t be surprised if kids don’t think it’s a big deal. $800 is not necessary to spark an interest in STEM. A library card is free. Get STEM-related children’s books. Read STEM books yourself. Model the behavior you want to see.
My answer:
When I ask myself what can be done to get more Black kids interested in STEM, I think of exposure, interest, and willingness to do the work. Interest isn’t enough.
Exposing Black kids to the possibilities is the first step. For instance, is an engineer willing to talk to a group of Black kids about the job of being an engineer? Maybe take the kids on a tour of an engineer’s workplace? It starts with exposure.
After that, even with parents’ encouragement, it’s up to the kids.
Are you interested in STEM? Are you willing to do the work to excel at STEM? Black kids need to ask themselves those questions, and the answer needs to be yes to both for Black kids to enter and stick with STEM.
I want Black kids to look at the world and know that they can join the STEM workforce. I want them to know that the smartphones they use, the cars they drive around in, and the homes they live in were impacted by STEM in some way. If there are people who are already designing the phones, cars, and homes, then I want them to know that they can join those people in designing the phones, car, and homes. These people are no better than them. What separates these people from the kids is exposure, interest, and willingness to do the work. Bridge that gap, and the STEM world is theirs for the taking.
One other thing. There’s nothing wrong with not having an interest in STEM. If, after being exposed to it, they don’t have the interest and/or are not willing to do the work, then making another choice is more than valid. I don’t want Black kids to feel compelled to pursue STEM. I want them to know that it’s an option that’s not off limits to them.
You’ve heard from Dr. Mabry, Tiffani, Linda, and I. What do you think? What can be done to get Black kids interested in STEM? Let me know in the comments, or email me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear your thoughts.