Preparing the Future STEM Workforce for Diverse Environments. (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Daily, Shaundra Bryant; Eugene, Wanda
• Editors: Scott, Kimberly A.; Clark, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Urban education. Volume 48:Number 5(2013)
• Page Start: 682
• Page End: 704
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: empathy -- computational thinking -- digital storytelling -- diversity; Education, Urban -- Periodicals; Enseignement en milieu urbain -- Périodiques; Éducation; Milieu urbain; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 370.91732
• DOI: 10.1177/0042085913490554
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-0859

Abstract

Following the belief that diversity breeds innovation in scientific endeavors, there is a national push for more diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce in order to maintain national economic competitiveness. Currently, STEM-related employment is only 28% non-White; however, greater efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented minorities should increase this figure. Amidst the attention given to supporting "leaky pipelines, " less emphasis has been placed on mitigating challenges associated with bringing diverse cultures together. This article presents a framework for supporting underrepresented minorities in building STEM-relevant skills and enhancing their ability to collaborate with peers different from themselves.