African-Americans in

STEM fieIds
Social ssue Research Project
ETHS 2410
Spring 2014
Teddy Anderson
Under-representation of African-Americans
in Science, TechnoIogy, Engineering and Math
As a future science educator would like to focus on
building a fair foundation for disenfranchised groups.
-Researched scholarly reviews on this topic.
-Built upon exposure to African-American culture through this class.
-Awareness of current US crisis in funding or emphasis on STEM fields.
-Noted a particular lack of opportunity for African-Americans.
-Personal passion for educating youth about science.
Research:
ArticIe: Persistence of women and minorities in STEM field
majors: s it the school that matters?
by Amanda L. Griffith
Summary: This article explored the factors affecting the
retention of minorities in STEM fields. t shows that a lack
of preparation for STEM fields is one of the greatest factors
negatively affecting retention. t inspired me to help
intervene early to increase persistence in these fields.

Research:
ArticIe: Racial and ethnic minority students' success in
STEM education.
by Samuel Museus, et al
Summary: This article highlighted the need for early
intervention in supporting students in pursuing STEM fields.
learned that the cards are stacked against minority
students in most situations. This further supports my ideas
that an early start is the best intervention.
Research:
ArticIe: Women and minorities in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics
by Ronald J. Burke, et al
Summary: This article highlighted the importance to our
country of creating a strong workforce in STEM fields.
Because there is a shortage of those entering this
workforce, we need to actively recruit minorities and
women.
Intervention:
Create a scholarship fund for African-American high school
students who show an aptitude for STEM fields.
- Hold a fundraising dinner to garner support
- Seek donors of food, drink and entertainment for fundraiser.
- Rent a venue to host event.
- Present on topic and discuss dollar amounts with participants.
- Establish scholarship fund based on participant support.
- Cost of fundraiser: $1200.
Resistance to Intervention:
Anticipate possible resistance or roadblocks in the
following:
-Lack of awareness of problem.
-Possible perceived threat of a racially-based scholarship.
-Lack of interest in participation.
-Lack of donors in fundraising dinner efforts (food, music, etc.)
Support for Intervention:
Anticipate support from community in the following regards:
- Those wanting to be involved in an important social issue.
- Those businesses and individuals with existing philanthropic efforts.
- African-Americans in the community who take special pride in being a part of
such an effort.
- Those with a special interest in STEM fields who would like to expand in their
outreach.
Impact of Intervention:
The goal of this intervention is to set up a lasting
scholarship fund to be perpetuated year after year.
The African-American community would be positively
impacted by an opportunity to highlight the successes of
exceptional students.
The sciences would benefit by the addition of bright young
minds contributing to the body of research.
References:

Burke, Ronald. "Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics." Google Books. Edward Elgar Publishing, n.d. Web. 3 Aug.
2014.
Griffith, Amanda. "Persistence of women and minorities in STEM fields: s it the
school that matters?." Cornell.edu. Wake Forest University, n.d. Web. 3 Aug.
2014.
Museus, Samuel. "SelectedWorks of Robert Terry Palmer, PhD." "Racial and
ethnic minority students' success in STEM education" by Samuel Museus, PhD,
et al.. Jossey-Bass, n.d. Web. 3 Aug. 2014.
Notes:
This idea came to me as a means of combining my love for
science education with my desire to create fair
opportunities for all. The goal of the fundraising dinner is to
garner support for a persisting scholarship which will
provide complete tuition for one African-American high
school graduate from our area per year. As the successes
become apparent, so will support for the scholarship be
maintained or increased.