How Girls STEM Institute Impacts Black Girls’ Interest in STEM Careers

Abstract

BACKGROUND Multiple studies show that women, especially Black women are underrepresented in the STEM fields. A factor affecting this outcome is the lack of early career exposure of STEM to Black youth. Girls STEM Institute (GSI) is an organization that encourages girls and young women of color to embrace their innate brilliance through STEM exploration and focuses on the total development of girls’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Through GSI, scholars are provided access to powerful STEM learning experiences such as robotics, aviation, and forensics that challenge them to think deeply and critically. Additionally, the program also gives GSI scholars the opportunity to interact with STEM professionals. For summer 2023, the program served a total of 60 scholars and gave them the opportunity to participate in rich, relevant, and cognitively challenging STEM activities. This study aims to explore what factors affect career interest in young Black girls. METHODS Dr. Morton and the research team administered the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity, BEAMMS survey, STEM semantics survey, and Career Interest Questionnaire (CIQ) to all 60 scholars at the beginning and end of the program in paper format. For this study, we focus on the CIQ (N=53 for the pre-assessment. N=47 for the post-assessment) to compare the career interests of the scholars at the program’s beginning and end. A literature review was conducted to better understand Black girls' experiences in formal and informal educational spaces. RESULTS In the post-assessment, there was an overall increase in STEM career interests. The statement “I would like a career in science” had an 11% increase in scholars who agreed, “I would enjoy a career in science” had an 18% increase, and “I will get a job in the science-related area” had a 13% increase. However, 30% were undecided in the “I would like a career in science” section, 30% were undecided on whether they would enjoy a career in science, and 44% were undecided about getting a job in the science-related field. The study is ongoing, and data is still being analyzed. CONCLUSION Young Black girls face various educational challenges and inequities. Nevertheless, science summer programs like GSI create bridges for young Black girls to discover their potential and enhance their confidence to pursue careers in STEM. Traditional educational spaces should follow this example and create a curriculum that is aware of the needs of Black girls.