STEM/STEAM/STREAM Imperative for the Black Community

A quick search today, for articles about STEM education for Black students yielded nearly half a million results. In addition, I am frequently invited to events with a focus on the same topic: How to Get More African American Students to Pursue STEM (or nowadays STEAM) Fields. The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. STREAM stands for Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

The case for STEM/STEAM/STREAM, is often based on career opportunities and income potential. The better argument is based on being prepared to solve problems we face today and more importantly will face in the future. More important than a high paying job, our survival will depend upon our ability to adapt. STEM/STEAM/STREAM fields will best prepare and equip us (and more importantly our children and grandchildren) with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to adapt for the future. Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey have often said, "When you know better, you do better."