By Ivan Sanchez
In the ever-evolving landscape of education and employment, a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has become increasingly vital. This emphasis is especially critical for African American students, who historically have been underrepresented in these areas. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, America faces a pressing need to add 1 million more STEM professionals by 2022. However, statistics reveal that African American youth are the least likely racial group to pursue careers in technology fields.
Addressing this disparity requires a concerted effort to support and encourage participation and success in STEM among students of all ages. Recognizing the pivotal role of early exposure and engagement, efforts to foster STEM literacy must begin at home. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) conducted a groundbreaking assessment of technology and engineering literacy in 2014. Out of 21,000 eighth-grade students surveyed, nearly two-thirds attributed their understanding of building and fixing things to family members, while only 13 percent credited teachers. This underscores the importance of continued learning outside the classroom and the significant role parents and family members play in nurturing technology and engineering literacy.
Despite progress in some areas, significant disparities persist in STEM-related academic performance among eighth graders, particularly across race and class lines. Data from the 2014 NAEP assessment revealed that only 18 percent of Black students scored at or above proficient, compared to 56 percent of white students. Additionally, students from low-income families scored an average of 28 points lower than their more affluent peers. These disparities highlight the need to address environmental barriers that hinder academic performance and to provide diverse mentorship and learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Against this backdrop, the groundbreaking achievements of Tennessee State University (TSU) graduate Clarice Phelps serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Phelps’s journey from her early passion for chemistry to becoming the first Black woman to contribute to the discovery of an element on the periodic table (tennessine) underscores the transformative power of STEM education. Her story exemplifies the potential of African American students to make significant contributions to the scientific community.
As Phelps continues her doctoral studies in Nuclear Engineering, she remains committed to fostering diversity in STEM and inspiring the next generation of Black scientists. Her story serves as a testament to breaking barriers, leaving a lasting legacy, and creating a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM.
Copyright 2024 TNTRIBUNE, All rights reserved.
