“We Love STEM Too”: Fostering STEM Engagement Among Gifted and Talented Black Students Using Contemporary Young STEM Black Models

Abstract

In our experiences as Black caregivers, we are very thoughtful and concerned about the STEM experiences of young Gifted and Talented (GATE) Black and other Students of Color in P-12 and higher education. In both academic settings, Black and Hispanic students are inequitably underrepresented in GATE, college, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) (Hines et al., 2024a). Why does underrepresentation in such advanced programs exist? There is a myriad of factors, explained herein. In addition to presenting data, we share several barriers, recommendations, and resources. Also important, we highlight a sample of Black boys and girls who are trailblazers in STEM with the goal of explaining how educators can and must foster STEM engagement among all students, GATE Black and minoritized students.