The Research
Research shows that Black and Hispanic students are underrepresented in the STEM disciplines, while Caucasian and Asian students are overrepresented in STEM fields (2018 study).
Research further shows that STEM workers enjoy higher average earnings than those in other non-STEM occupations. Full-time year-round workers ages 25 and older in a STEM career earned about $77,400. The comparable average for workers in non-STEM occupations was $46,900.
Temming, M. (2021, April 14) STEM's racial, ethnic, and gender gaps are still strikingly large. ScienceNews.org. Retrieved May 21, 2025, from https://www.sciencenews.org/article/science-technology-math-race-ethnicity-gender-diversity-gap
The more recent data show that although Black-American students enter STEM fields at a similar rate as their peers, an alarming 40% of Black-American students transfer out of STEM fields before completing the program. This is overwhelmingly due to a lack of educational and financial support that students receive during their college years. Many STEM programs can be lengthy and costly, creating a barrier to success for many well-deserving students.
Rakoczy, Christy. “Scholarships for Black and African American STEM Majors.” Education Loan Finance, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.elfi.com/scholarships-for-black-and-african-american-stem-majors/.
These are a few articles detailing why we must act now to improve outcomes for highly qualified students seeking careers in critical needs STEM fields.
