Why are minority students underrepresented in STEM?
The enrollment of students from minority groups, particularly African American, Native American, and Hispanic/Latino students in Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, remains low. There are fewer people within such areas than in other groups, and this trend follows them to college and workplaces. But why are under-represented minority students NOT taking courses in STEM? This raises several questions as to what factors are currently denying these students an opportunity to venture, learn about, or excel in STEM careers. Here, we discuss some of the causes of stereotypical shortages of underrepresented minorities in STEM and whether and how more students in these communities can be supported when pursuing STEM.
Are Minority Students Ready for STEM?
In today’s world, when information technologies are growing at incredible speed, professions in science, technologies, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are invaluable. These fields are used to address some of the biggest challenges faced globally as well as drive change. However, there’s a growing concern: underrepresented minority students like African Americans, Hispanics / Latinos, and Native Americans are not placed in classes that prepare them for STEM careers. In the process, many of these students do not have the proper courses and adequate direction to point them in the right direction for these industries. This raises a key question: Are under-represented minority students (African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos) being placed in courses that will prepare them for Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers?
Strategies to Boost STEM Enrollment Among Underrepresented Minority Students
The United States has struggled to meet diversity objectives in the STEM workforce, primarily because the education system has failed to support and retain underrepresented minority (URM) students. National figures continue to show that the gap between URM students (African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos) and white and Asian students in STEM degree completion grows at every degree level. There have been some wins, but the gap remains. When discussing the ‘pipeline’ issue that limits URM representation in STEM, it is important to address the barriers that need to be removed and to explore strategies to boost STEM enrollment among underrepresented minority students.
Why K-12th Grade Public Education is Important
K-12 public education remains the foundation for enabling children to become responsible citizens. In the process of being in school, starting from kindergarten to high school, students discover numerous abilities, make social relationships, and become very curious citizen. K-12 education covers a significant part of one’s life. It is vital to select a proper school and afterward plan one’s further vocation. We will provide some of the main points as to why K-12th grade public education is important and how parents can help their children study.
From Basics to Brilliance: “Why Middle School Math Needs a High School Revamp”
Do you know that middle school mathematics lays the foundation for all future math learning? The basic concepts of geometry, fractions, and algebra are considered important starting points. However, as students enter high school, these ideas are often taught in more complex ways, using advanced methods and tools. As a result, these practices are often viewed as repetitive and boring, which increases high school dropout rates among students.
How the US Public K-12th Grade Public Education System is Failing Minority Youth
Although the American public education system is often praised for its system of inclusiveness and equal opportunity, it somehow fails to meet the needs of minority students. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in November 2023 found that approximately 51% of American citizens believe the public K–12 educational system is generally headed in the wrong direction. This all begins with an idea.