Mirrors Before Microscopes: Closing the STEM Opportunity Gap for Underrepresented Youth

Abstract

At NexGeneration Learning, we believe every child deserves to see themselves in STEM. For too long, African-American, Latino, and female students have been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math. This is not because of a lack of talent, but because of a lack of mirrors. Our “Mirrors Before Microscopes” approach puts identity, culture, and storytelling at the center of STEM learning. We want students to see what’s possible for themselves before they ever pick up a microscope or a robot. This whitepaper shares why this matters, what the data says, and how our approach is already changing lives.