Girls Stem Institute: Transforming and Empowering Black Girls in Mathematics Through Stem

Abstract

With the growing interest in STEM at both the national and international level, as well as the persistence in racial disparities in educational achievement, it is crucial that educators provide learning experiences that foster the positive development of Black females’ mathematics and science identities. This chapter will describe Girls STEM Institute (GSI), a program designed to support the positive development of Black females as learners and doers of mathematics and science. GSI provides learners who identify as Black and female an opportunity to develop an understanding of mathematics and other STEM concepts in a meaningful and culturally grounded out-of-school context. Within GSI’s rich, rigorous, relevant, and supportive environment, young ladies have the freedom to grow interpersonally and intellectually and are empowered to use STEM as a tool for personal and social change.