Helping Black Women Gain Self Confidence In Entering STEM Careers

African-American women have made much progress in the workplace and education. Even in the face of racism and sexism in the United States, 2/3 of black college graduates are female. Yet, in spite of the progress made, black women are still underrepresented in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. For them to enter and excel in math and science careers, it is important to identify and remedy the barriers to African-American women gaining self-confidence in their decisions to pursue them.

Doubting academic abilities begins in the classroom. Many teachers still believe that women and African-Americans are not as capable as white men in math and science, affecting their interaction with each student. Black girls are ill prepared as a result and may shun career paths in which they cannot excel. Black girls also lack African-American female role models in these areas. Images of mathematicians and scientists are usually white men. When athletics, entertainment and modeling are seen as the only "acceptable" routes to success for these women, they feel unsuitable for academic careers.

In addition to barriers in receiving academic support, the threat of social disapproval is real for many African-American women pursuing math and science. Being studious is often considered betrayal to black peers, for she is "acting white". Black women are especially vulnerable to this because in addition to limited friendships, some of them believe that being strong in math and science is a barrier to finding a romantic partner. Some men may not like dating a woman who is an intellectual equal or leader, and these women may fear that men don't like women who are too smart. Some men may even be pursuing careers in math and science themselves, and may see her as a competitor instead of a partner. Many black American women feel pressured to choose between having a relationship and pursuing an intellectually challenging career. Discouragement from peers and risk of alienation can lead these women to doubt their place in STEM careers. Fortunately, they can go into these fields with their heads held high.

In order for black women to gain confidence in math and science, the process must start in the classroom. Teachers should reinforce the idea that all students can excel in math and science. This leads to adopting better teaching practices and African-American women being better prepared for these areas - even leading to greater interest in pursuing math and science careers. Black women also need to seek quality mentors and role models, who will nurture them and ensure their success. To avoid alienation, black American women must choose peers and romantic partners wisely - those who are supportive and see intellectual women as heroines to black society instead of traitors. After excelling in these areas, African-American women must learn effective self-promotion techniques. Controlling their images and taking charge of their career advancement constantly reminds them of their abilities, reaffirming their competence in these fields. The most crucial element is trusting in one's own abilities. Having mentors, supportive peers and great teachers will not work if these women still doubt themselves.

African-American women belong in STEM careers despite the efforts to keep them out. While outside factors may hinder progress, it is ultimately up to the women to take control of their destinies.