There is an urgent need for improving and increasing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills among students, to enable them to navigate the modern world and access the opportunities it affords. 

So, why are African American students not choosing STEM majors in college? In a recent report by the Georgetown University on Education and Workforce, black students are more likely to choose college majors that do not lead to lucrative careers. Areas in which our students are majoring in are of high social value, like education and psychology, which do not necessarily lead to top paying positions. Not choosing career paths in the sciences, technology fields, engineering or finance and business will continue to harm our people economically. 

What can we do today to change this dynamic?  Many organizations have begun to create innovative ways to get students involved in STEM. STEM exposure should begin at an early age and should not stop. Choosing a STEM career can be the difference between our children struggling to make ends meet or gaining financial wealth and freedom. 

Here are 4 ways to get involved with STEM

Subscribe to STEM blogs. Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Start small.  There are many great Blogs that represent STEM organizations that provide the latest information regarding new laws, initiatives and programs, developing trends, and industry achievements.

Expose your scholar to STEM during the summer months.

Many students lose skills over the summer, particularly in mathematics. Exposing students to summer learning opportunities or programs, will benefit them by supporting consistent achievement of developmental milestones.

Choose an afterschool program with STEM as a focus.

After-chool programs are especially well‐placed to help close the opportunity gap that many minority children and youth face.  Studies show that afterschool settings tend to provide STEM enrichment opportunities. 

Learn to code.  An understanding of computer science is becoming increasingly essential in today’s world. Coding is the new literacy, to thrive in tomorrow’s society. Model the behavior you want to see.  Learning to code is simpler these days. On code.org you can learn to code for free.