"Ain't No Stopping Us Now": Investigating Black Girls' STEM Engagement and Identity in Informal Education

• In Event: (Un)Masking Intersectional Experiences and Concerns in K–12 STEM Education

Abstract

Black women have been at the forefront of numerous STEM achievements in recent years such as Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett's development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Even so, the underrepresentation of Black women in STEM remains a persistent issue. These disparities can be attributed to the STEM pipeline's structural inequities. Therefore, informal STEM education programs can aid in reducing these disparities. This study investigates informal STEM education that contributes to Black girls’ STEM participation and STEM identity formation. The findings indicate that Black girls who participate in informal STEM education programs benefit from affirming environments and racial and gender representation. Complementary to this year’s conference theme, it is necessary to examine consequential education research in STEM to create opportunities for equitable outcomes.

Authors

• Deneen S Dixon-Payne, Towson University
  Presenting Author

• Greg Wiggan, University of North Carolina - Charlotte
  Presenting Author