Push for Diversity in STEM
By Samuel Fields
Physical Science Center at the University of Oklahoma. PHOTO: Samuel Fields
Recent statistics have shown a lack of diversity across various STEM programs in the United States.
Studies show that black and Hispanic STEM workers in the United States are heavily underrepresented, with a majority being white. According to Pew Research Center, whites account for 69 percent of STEM workers in the United States, with 13 percent being Asian, 9 percent being black and 7 percent being Hispanic.
The growth of diversity in STEM programs has shown very little progress for underrepresented minorities in recent years. Studies at Pew Research Center show that the Hispanic share of all STEM workers is up just 1 percent since 2016. There has been no rise in the share of black workers in the STEM workforce since 2016.
Christopher Black, the Interim Department Chair and Associate Professor for the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma, spoke on the benefits of allocating for diversity in STEM programs.
“Promoting diversity within STEM programs allows for numerous advantages. Underrepresented students often provide distinct experience, knowledge and understanding of their respective field. Outside of advancements in scientific knowledge, diversity in STEM also pushes for social justice and equity,” he said.
Students believe these varying statistics may lead to a disconnect between underrepresented groups and STEM programs.
Jack Adams, a STEM student at OU, spoke on some of the challenges that minority students face in the STEM field.
“Looking at the demographics, they could very easily get the forethought of ‘Oh I’m not gonna fit in here, this isn’t the place for me,’ just from looking at the demographics and not feeling really like they would fit in or be included,” he said.
Women are also underrepresented in various STEM professions. According to the United States Census Bureau, they make up only 27 percent of employed adults in STEM jobs, accounting for just 14 percent of engineering occupations, and 25 percent of computer occupations.
Adams says the presence of women employees in the STEM field is essential for the workforce.
“Women deserve every right and chance that the males in the STEM fields. A lot of those practices that they end up going to do are very beneficial to the overall population and can really help others benefit from optimal healthcare,” he said.
Diversity within the STEM fields allows for different perspectives, experience and knowledge. A research study conducted by Scott E. Page, a professor of Social Science at the University of Michigan, explained that an intelligent group of diverse problem solvers would outperform a group of the best problem solvers.
Jack Adams spoke on how promoting more diversity within the STEM programs can improve the STEM field.
“It gives everyone a fair chance. By meeting with them and really seeing who they are as a person, allowing them to have an opportunity at their institution, I really feel like they can take that opportunity and run away with it and really make a difference,” he said.
Advocating for more diversity within STEM programs allows for the voices of the misrepresented to be heard. The participation from marginalized groups in supporting and empowering students to pursue STEM careers will pave the way for the future.
Jack Adams explains why pushing for more diversity can benefit STEM programs. VIDEO: Samuel Fields