Governor Kathy Hochul faced backlash after making a statement at the Milken Institute Global Conference about young Black children in the Bronx not knowing what a computer is. Many criticized her comments as harmful and misinformed, emphasizing that minority children are bright and capable. The bigger issue, however, is the ongoing harm being inflicted on Black children due to systemic barriers that limit their opportunities to excel in STEM fields. Leaders in government and education must address these challenges and adopt more effective teaching and outreach approaches to help children of color thrive in STEM.
Governor Hochul’s administration has invested millions in STEM education programs in New York to prepare students for the workforce, improve academic outcomes, and close the STEM divide. Despite their efforts, there is still a persistent racial disparity in STEM fields, with Black and Hispanic individuals being underrepresented in science and engineering degrees and the STEM workforce. Similar trends are seen in other states and major tech companies, highlighting the need for more impactful initiatives to support underrepresented groups in STEM.
Apologizing for her remarks, Governor Hochul’s words must be backed by tangible actions to fund initiatives that can make a difference and produce real results. STEM Global Action (SGA) has demonstrated a successful approach to engaging students in STEM education through community events like STEM Fests, where K-12 students participate in hands-on activities and interact with STEM professionals. SGA’s initiatives are tailored to students’ skill levels and have shown long-term success, with participants going on to pursue STEM careers and win science awards.
With programs like STEM NOLA, SGA has successfully connected STEM learning to communities facing barriers to STEM education. Their approach of engaging students early on in STEM and providing hands-on learning opportunities has yielded positive outcomes, inspiring students to pursue STEM fields in higher education and beyond. Governor Hochul is urged to take notice of these successful initiatives and consider implementing similar programs in New York to support children in the Bronx and bridge the STEM gap for underrepresented communities.
By adopting innovative and effective approaches to STEM education, leaders in government, education, and the private sector can empower children of color to excel in STEM fields and secure opportunities for their future. Initiatives like STEM Fests and STEM Saturdays offer engaging and impactful ways to introduce students to STEM concepts and inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Governor Hochul has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting programs that have a proven track record of success and empowering children in the Bronx and beyond to thrive in STEM.
