Leveraging Cultural Resources and Building Community: Black and Latina Middle School Girls in a Virtual STEM Camp

• In Event: Critical Examination of Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender in Education: Women and Girls of Color

Abstract

This qualitative study highlights the impact of a continuance of STEM learning spaces and student engagement afforded to Black and Latina middle school girls through a virtual transmission of a summer STEM program serving K-12 students belonging to diverse communities. Utilizing the Multidimensionality of Black Girls’ STEM Learning conceptual framework, preliminary findings indicate that engagement provided opportunities for Black and Latina girls to build a community with girls of color across the nation in the midst of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants developed positive STEM experiences by engaging in a culturally sustaining and comprehensive curriculum within the context of a safe and welcoming online classroom space.

Authors

• Laura Peña, Georgia State University

• Natalie S. King, Georgia State University