Factors Affecting African American Persistence in the Sciences

In recent years, much has changed in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Three sources entitled, Rising above the Gathering Storm, Innovative America, and Tapping America's Potential argue that if Americans do not improve in the STEM field our economy will suffer, so will our exports, and will heavily impact America. If we do not improve then the standard of living may fall and so will our economy. The three reports talk about using more innovation and technology, if we do this then our economy will be stable. The proponents argue that we need to close achievement gaps, improve the quality of teachers, increase labor supply, improve our international ranking, and issue more H-1B visas. Workers in the STEM field think that their employers are replacing them because the H-1B foreign workers are cheaper. Although, critics argue that the STEM movement is sabotaging other countries so, America can be ahead. But, for the US to be ahead in innovation and STEM education, we need to issue more H-1B visas. The H-1b program is for guest workers from different countries.

As a SETA member I have participated twice as a workshop presenter for the annual STEM Workshop Conferences, “Expanding Your Horizons,” and the “Latino Youth Leadership Academy.” These conferences entitle grade school students to expose themselves to science workshops; raising awareness of higher education in the STEM field, which is an important advocacy I

Michael S. Teitelbaum argues in his report, “ The Myth of the Science and Engineering Shortage” that while it may be true that there is an increase in STEM jobs in the US, the fact is for the majority of STEM jobs the wages have been stagnant or declining, indicating that there is no demand for STEM graduates. Teitelbaum continues by stating that it is very simple to claim there is a shortage in STEM by hand-picking specialized fields in STEM that may currently have a shortage due to location and specific years, as a result of changing technology, But to state that all STEM related occupations are experiencing a shortage because a few specialized fields are experiencing a shortage is dangerous as it paints a false a narrative of reality to pursuers’ of STEM degrees. In addition when comparing the unemployment rate of occupations such as registered nurses, physicians, dentists, and lawyers to occupations in STEM, that proponents of STEM have valiantly claimed are experiencing a massive shortage, the unemployment for STEM occupations is staggering. With recent graduates suffering the most with unemployment rates in engineering and computer science above seven percent, as well as an unemployment rate hovering slightly below twelve percent for graduates in information systems ( Teitelbaum). Teitelbaum states that while it may be true that the US is consistently scoring in the middle in international assessments, they are still producing a third of all high-performing students in science and fourteen percent of high-performing students in math. In addition, he states he is not against the push for science and math, as he believes all high school students should be adept in both, but that there is “a big disconnect between this broad educational imperative and

Since the 1990’s however, there has been a 33% increase in the number of Hispanic Students enrolling in STEM programs. This does not mean that they necessary complete their degree, as Hispanics more likely to drop out of the program or university than their white counterparts. It used to be that one required a formal collegiate education in order to enter the STEM field, but more and more STEM students are entering the field through the completion of IT technical programs, or certificate programs. Hispanics have been taking advantage of this easier pathway into STEM careers, as 24 % of all STEM technical certificates were earned by Hispanics in the 2009-2010 school year. Unfortunately, the percentage of STEM degrees earned by Hispanics experienced

Though they’ve gained more opportunities compared to decades ago, there are still barriers contributing to the underrepresentation of minorities in careers in science. Generally, they still have less opportunities and face inequality. Most minorities have just migrated into the US relatively recently and consequently are at financial disadvantages from the majority as they aren’t as established. Many don’t receive as much education that’s even as good than the majority, often because they can’t afford it. Because of those financial circumstances, those minorities don’t have as many chances to pursue science-related occupations.

In a speech in February 2013 President Barak Obama said, “One of the things that I really strongly believe in is that we need to have more girls interested in math, science, and engineering. We’ve got half the population that is way underrepresented in those fields and that means that we’ve got a whole bunch of talent…not being encouraged the way they need to.” It been three years since President Obama has made that statement and the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and math as known as STEM majors is still a big problem today. The STEM workforce is crucial to Americas global competitiveness and groundbreaking capability. The people who work in the STEM field make up nearly half of the United

In recent years, there has been a push for reform in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which are known as the basis for innovation and advancement on a global scale. These fields serve as a vital tool in America’s technological leadership, national security, and economic growth, making the federal government and policymakers invested in the success of STEM education and its workforce. This movement gained momentum when three reports concerning STEM were published within a five-month period in 2005. Innovate America, Tapping America’s Potential, and Rising Above the Gathering Storm argue that America needs to improve its STEM policies so it is able to adequately compete in the global economy. These reports stress the issue of the declining competitiveness of America in STEM by using its performance on international assessment rankings and measuring its education attainment as compared to other nations. Other issues presented by these reports focus on the domestic problems of STEM, such as teacher quality and achievement gaps between racial and ethnic groups. The potential shortage in the STEM workforce and the effect of foreign students on both degree production and labor supply are two major areas of concern for analysts that are attempting to measure America’s potential in STEM. Proponents of STEM argue that foreign workers should be brought in on H-1B visas to address America’s proclaimed labor supply

The STEM fields are diverse and evolving constantly, with the advancement of civil rights in regards to women as well as the education of the public to this issue, it is likely that there will come a time when women and men can be equally represented in these disciplines. The importance of studying the gender gap between men and women in STEM is to learn how to confront gender biases in these fields. Conclusive evidence has shown that diversity in science will likely yield positive results. Findings from the Journal of the Royal Society Interface state that:

STEM Students Continue to Be Underrepresented in Schools Photo Credit: Black Youth Project Tiana Young is an incoming first-year college black student who wants to double major in aeronautical and mechanical engineering. Although Rensselaer Polytechnic University may not have been her first choice, this private institution is one of the best schools in the U.S. that specializes in science, math, technology, and engineering. However, what makes it less appealing to Young, is the school’s lack of diversity which is a huge concern for her. Young graduated from a high school that is almost entirely composed of black and Hispanic students.

Baber (2014) repeatedly conveys assumptions or biases rooted in issues of power, privilege, and a lack of genuine interest by institutional leaders to directly address racial and ethnic disparities in STEM. This rhetoric is reflected in his findings from diversity program administrators, but presented without counterbalance from institutional leaders. Given the elimination of a greater institutional perspective, one can assume the opinions of institutional leaders and other policy makers whose practices were arguably under attack would likely be in conflict to Baber’s work and therefore, deemed inconsequential. In addition, Baber (2014) purported STEM diversity initiatives primarily focus on enrollment and completion numbers, with little or no investment in acknowledging impeding institutional or community norms. Such acknowledgement would ideally transform behaviors to enhance student success and the

Our country’s investment in the future is upon today’s youth, which is why the implementation of STEM is crucial for the Unites States. The reason why the advancement of science and technology is sought upon in current news is that we are experiencing a global technological explosion. The importance of

Immigrants contribute greatly to America’s science and engineering developments. According to a report by the American Immigration Council, immigrants working in STEM (Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering) on average each create 2.62 new jobs due to their breakthroughs in research and innovation (“Always in Demand”). A 2001 study found that immigrants are greatly overrepresented among individuals elected to the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering in the United States (“Always in Demand”). These are two prestigious organizations for the country’s top scientists and engineers. Sixty-five percent of America’s Nobel Prizes were won by immigrants(Peri). Fifty percent of Silicon Valley computer programmers, and forty two percent of cancer researchers are foreign born (“Always in Demand”). The United States is working to increase native born participation in STEM, but these efforts will take years to accomplish. Right now, immigrants meet the critical need for STEM workers (“Always in

Science education has been a controversial topic among employers and schools for years. Employers are requesting more STEM graduates yet the schools are unable to keep up with the rising demand. Unemployment rates continue to go up while positions in the science, technology, and engineering fields have remained open and unfulfilled. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is vital to the position of the United States in the world standings in STEM research and design. Currently 3 of the 5 top positions in STEM research are held by Asian countries and sadly the United States doesn’t even fall in the top 10 for the list. There was once a time when the United States led the world in STEM research, but times have

As demographic changes reshape the STEM talent pool in the US, the nation will need to draw more on racial and ethnic groups that have been traditionally marginalized in order to maintain its global competitiveness. By 2050, the US Census Bureau (2008) projects that minority racial and ethnic groups will account for approximately 54% of the nation’s population, an increase from the current 28%. Yet today they only make up only 9% of

A STEM education is a necessity in the United States because the country is lacking knowledgeable people in such fields. However, one is better equipped for multiple job and career positions with the addition of a liberal arts education. It is nearly impossible to transition to different careers with only vocational training. In 2003, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development studied math and science literacy among fifteen year olds. The United States was ranked number twenty-four in math literacy (Drew 27). They are behind countries such as Finland, Slovak Republic, and Hungary. Likewise, the United States was ranked number nineteen in science literacy (Drew 27). It is obvious that the country is behind. STEM education needs to be reformed at the secondary and post-secondary levels of schooling. Katrina Trinko, a member of USA TODAY’s Board of Contributors, agrees that more emphasis should be placed on STEM education; however, this emphasis should not be at the sacrifice of a good liberal arts education. She writes, “Even technology wizards can become more innovative with a solid background in liberal arts” (Trinko 6). A liberal arts education is beneficial to people in all career fields.