As an adult, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in science while studying chemistry in high school. One project involved mixing different substances to create a chewing gum-like spearmint flavor, and I was hooked. I earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering and over 20 years held various positions at major companies that allowed me to travel all over the world.
I was lucky. Education was highly valued in my family, and several of my siblings were drawn to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, many other children in Hispanic families are not so lucky. They suffer from low academic expectations and a lack of role models in STEM-related jobs.
According to Pew Research, Hispanic adults make up 17% of the U.S. workforce, but only 8% work in STEM fields. Many Hispanic children are not even aware of the possibilities that exist in STEM fields.
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Technology plays an increasingly important role in Americans’ daily lives, and STEM has become a fundamental driver of economic success. Additionally, learning about STEM topics prepares students for success in any career. It allows them to see the world differently and helps them become very adept at problem solving and critical thinking. For these reasons and many more, it is imperative that all students, especially students of color, receive a quality STEM education and learn about career options in these important fields.
Here are five ways schools, communities, and families can fulfill this promise.
First, invest in strong STEM programming in schools. While all students have the right to rigorous STEM instruction, children of color and children living in poorer neighborhoods are less likely to be exposed to robotics, computer science, advanced science classes in high school, or even hands-on learning. They often do not have access to important learning opportunities and resources, such as free experiments and experiments. Other basic science and technology learning in elementary schools. To address these gaps, school districts are prioritizing STEM education and investing in high-quality professional development to ensure students are qualified to teach science in an engaging and hands-on way that better prepares them for their future careers. You can make teachers feel that there is.
Educators can promote organizations such as Latinas in STEM fields and the Hispanic Society of Professional Engineers. These organizations provide valuable resources for Hispanic STEM students looking to connect with their peers and expand their knowledge in the field. Families and other community members can increase their investment in STEM programming in their schools by exploring partnerships with local businesses and organizations, such as STEM-focused clubs, workshops, seminars, and competitions. You can make your case and enhance your resources and opportunities.
Second, we can expose students to STEM career paths at an early age. Children cannot aspire to a profession they do not know. You may understand what a computer programmer does, but what about a video game designer? Are you a cybersecurity analyst? A chemist researching ways to create perfume using odor molecules? A sound effects engineer working on a movie set? There are many resources available to encourage Hispanic students to engage in STEM and become leaders in their communities. Shows like “SciGirls,” “Maya and Miguel,” and “Nina’s World” and books like “Ay, Mija!” Why do you want to become an engineer? “The Lola Dérez STEM Mysteries” showcases Hispanic excellence and encourages you to explore it with curiosity and passion.
By exposing students to a variety of STEM-related jobs, educators, families, and community members can open up a world of possibilities and encourage young people to pursue this career path. Learning about STEM-based jobs also helps students understand how the math and science content they learn in school prepares them for the real world after graduation.
Third, they can have high expectations. Consciously or not, some teachers and administrators make assumptions about what students of color can or cannot achieve. These are often barriers that prevent Hispanic students and other students from reaching their full potential. By setting high expectations for all children and helping them reach these standards with guidance and support, we ensure that Hispanic students have the same opportunities as other students.
Fourth, you can provide your students with mentors and role models who are similar to them. Representation matters. Connecting students with mentors from similar backgrounds gives them a hero they can relate to, and seeing others who have achieved similar success provides them with a possible path to accomplishment. This helps build a sense of community and support network that can be invaluable in encouraging you to follow STEM-related disciplines. Throughout my college and professional experience, I was often the only person of Mexican descent in the room. It can be very lonely and depressing. To prevent others from having this experience, I regularly tutor students from elementary school through high school. I also volunteer at my children’s schools and speak to them about success in STEM fields. I introduce my students to some of my STEM heroes, such as Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space, and Dr. Carlos Bustamante, a biophysicist known for his work in single-molecule biology. In doing so, my Hispanic students realize that there are others just like me. And just like them, they can accomplish amazing things in their career. Organizations such as Prospanica, an association of Hispanic professionals, have qualified volunteers who provide advice and guidance to young people.
Finally, schools can provide opportunities for all students to engage in Advanced Placement math and science. Attending college can be difficult for many families of color, and this is no different for Hispanic families. In fact, nearly three-quarters of Latino students who shortened their education during or just after high school report doing so to support their families. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to pursue an advanced degree on my own. Earning Advanced Placement credits in high school can shorten your time to completion and reduce your college costs.
Organizations like the nonprofit National Math and Science Initiative can help school systems implement high-quality AP courses that engage more students. Its programs also integrate culturally relevant educational practices, including materials focused on Black and Latino voices and supports for English language learners. The organization also covers registration fees for all AP exams taken by students at participating schools. The average math passing score for African American and Hispanic students in these schools increased by 107% in the first year, significantly exceeding the national average. For female students, scores increased by 84%, 12 times the national average.
Perhaps the best way to help Hispanic students engage in STEM is to listen. Encourage them to ask questions and show them that it’s okay to try and fail, which is part of the scientific process and how STEM professionals learn and grow. and provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment. Involving Hispanics in STEM fields is essential not only to give them more options but also to increase equity in STEM careers in the United States.
