Radical Healing in STEM: Empowering Marginalized Youth for Social Change

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 1:45 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Reimagining STEM Educational Research (Table 6)

Abstract

This study explores the integration of radical healing within informal STEM programming to address enduring social inequities faced by African American youth. Radical healing, a strength-based and asset-centered approach, focuses on culture, identity, civic action, and collective healing, empowering youth to utilize academic knowledge for community betterment. Through an empirical case study of an after-school STEM club, this research highlights the potential and challenges of radical healing in transforming oppressive institutional relationships into hopeful, action-driven spaces. Data from youth journals, field notes, interviews, and artifacts illustrate how participants engaged in the radical healing process, developing critical consciousness, cultural authenticity, emotional and social support, resilience, and radical hope, thereby fostering a capacity to resist oppression and drive community change.

Authors

• Renee Mary Lyons, Clemson University

• Adenike Omolara Adefisayo, Clemson University

• Corliss Outley, Clemson University