Early Socialization for Science: Stories From African American Women SME Baccalaureate Recipients

• In Event: 75.060 - Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: 75.060-2 - The Critical Roles of Fathers and Mothers: Gendered Perspectives

Abstract

Some undergraduate African American women who were committed to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors became interested in science or mathematics as early as preschool and as late as elementary school. Less is known about informal science learning to socialize African American girls and adolescents to pursue STEM fields in college. To fill this gap, this study investigates how eight undergraduate African American women were socialized to pursue undergraduate STEM majors from their informal science learning experiences from preschool to high school. Findings suggest that early exposure to informal science learning can socialize African American women to pursue STEM fields in college. School, family, and community partnerships can expand the talent pool of African American women in STEM fields.

Author

• Ezella McPherson, Indiana University South Bend